It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann (Frey) (Lipka) Strohmer, who peacefully passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her loving children and sons-in-law in the comfort of her home.

Barbara was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Hillard J. Frey and Althea M. Frey. She was raised in Lakewood, Ohio, and graduated from Lakewood High School. She later married her first husband, John J. Lipka, and together, with their family, they settled in Canton, Michigan, where they raised their four children. Barbara subsequently married Ronald H. Strohmer, blending their families.

Throughout her life, Barbara found her greatest joy in spending time with family. She loved browsing craft shows, taking trips up north in Michigan with her daughters, and creating cherished memories with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the sunshine and ocean views of Florida, often relaxing with a brewski at her favorite gathering spot, Key West Bar, where she was affectionately known as “Little Barbara.”

Barbara dedicated 22 years of service as a Bus Dispatcher for the Northville Public School System in Michigan. Following her retirement in 2016, she made her home in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, where she embraced the coastal lifestyle she loved.

Barbara is survived by her first husband, John J. Lipka; her children, Greg Lipka, Gayle (Lipka) Grady and husband Gerald Grady, Grant Lipka, Gwen (Lipka) McFarland and husband Billy McFarland, Steve Strohmer, and Stacey Strohmer. She was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald H. Strohmer; her parents, Hillard J. Frey and Althea M. Frey; and her brother, James H. Frey.

In accordance with her wishes, Barbara’s ashes will be scattered at one of her favorite beach locations in Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in Michigan, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember her life.

Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, sense of fun, love of family, Her big, beautiful, and kind heart, as well as the many lives she touched throughout her 87 years. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Health First Make a donation | Health First by choosing Hospice of Health First.

“There, She is gone!, “ There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here She Comes !”

~Henry Van Dyke