Barbara Ann Likins

Barbara A. Likins, of Petoskey, passed away at home with family on January 22, 2026. Barbara was born on September 2, 1940, in Petoskey; daughter of William and Shirley (Smith) Streeter. Barbara grew up in Petoskey, attending Petoskey elementary and middle schools, graduating from Petoskey High School in 1958. She then attended NCMC, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1962. Barbara pursued her goal of becoming a schoolteacher and attended Western Michigan University, graduating in 1964, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She then taught Social Studies and English at Harbor Springs Middle School, and was a substitute teacher in Harbor Springs for many years. On August 21st, 1965, she married James Likins, teacher at Harbor Springs Schools, in Petoskey. Barbara was a member of the Petoskey Squadron Civil Air Patrol, the Girl Scouts, and a candidate for Petoskey Winter Queen in 1959. 

Above all else, Mom was always devoted to her family. She took tremendous care of her parents, brother Bill and his family, cousins, aunts, uncles, husband Jim and his family, and especially her two sons. Her kindness took extra care helping her students, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and pets stay safe, and gave assistance when the need arose. 

Mom spent decades on her favorite hobby of Genealogy...family tree research, where she developed an extensive family archive and helped others start their own family tree. Just like her mother, Mom was always supportive of her family with their education, sports, and hobbies. She was an avid gardener, read countless books, enjoyed history, and loved baking desserts for everyone. There was never a shortage of pie, cookies, brownies, or fudge! Mom also enjoyed comedy, the news, crossword puzzles, and coloring books. Mom's favorite place was home, but she enjoyed traveling with family, especially to Hawaii. She was a bird and animal watcher, and dearly loved all the family dogs and cats. 

Mom will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey next to her parents. A celebration of life will be announced in the spring of 2026. 

She is preceded by William Streeter (father), Shirley Streeter (mother) of Petoskey, Susan Streeter (sister-in-law) of North Carolina, other family members from Petoskey and Harbor Springs, and Herbert and Betty Likins (father and mother-in-law) of Port Huron. 

She is survived by James Likins (husband) of Petoskey, Steve Likins (son), Cheryl Likins (daughter-in-law) and family of Florida, John Likins (son) of Petoskey, William Streeter (brother) and Sharlene Streeter, Tracy Streeter (niece) and family, and Todd Streeter (nephew) and family, of North Carolina, Penny Berkley and William Webb of Petoskey. 

Mom wished to thank all of her family, friends, and neighbors for their unending support and love through the years. Keep Christ, kindness, grace, and charity to others in your heart!

She asked that memorial contributions may be made to The Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, 1300 West Conway Rd. Harbor Springs, MI. 49740.