Barbara Ann (Hall) Fochtman

Barbara Ann Fochtman, 82, of Petoskey, went to be with her Lord on May 17, 2022, at home with family by her side. She was born in Petoskey on April 18, 1940, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Littlefield) Hall. Barb graduated from Petoskey High School in 1958. On September 12, 1959, she married the love of her life, Louis Fochtman.

Barb’s faith was strong in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a lifelong member of 1st Presbyterian Church of Bay Shore which is now Jesus Is Lord Community Church. She was a Sunday School teacher for several years and was the inspiration behind the Annual Bazaar which was held at the church for approximately 14 years. 

Over the course of Barb’s life, she ventured into many work experiences.  While her children were young, Barb worked in the Petoskey School District as a cook/baker for several of the elementary schools. Barb also worked in many different retail businesses over the years but primarily ran her own business, Barb’s Petoskey Stone Shop, for over a decade. A trade passed down from her father, she had an eye for finding Petoskey stones and turning them into beautiful pieces of handcrafted art. She made jewelry, clocks, and other original pieces that she would sell, not only in her shop but also to many local businesses and at summer craft shows. 

Barb had many other creative talents.  She loved playing the piano, grew beautiful flower gardens, and was especially gifted at painting. She was a born leader who participated in many organizations from PTA, Michigan Homemakers Association, to Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair to name a few.

Barb and Louie were members of the Northern Michigan Antique-Flywheelers Association.  Barb provided paintings for several years that were used for the annual show’s plaque.  She also donated a one-room schoolhouse to the club in memory of Louie.  

Although Barb’s creativity was a big part of her life, family and friends were her most cherished possessions.  Barb loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Family gatherings were another of her specialties.  Nieces, and nephews each have their very own special memory of Aunt Barb and her hospitality. 

Barb is survived by her daughter Jacquelyn (Robert) Wheaton, grandchildren; Ryan and Katelyn Wheaton, sisters-in-law; Rose Fochtman and Janet (Dean) Welsheimer, her niece Kimberly Dawley and several other nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Louis; son Tony, and brothers; Clyde, Charles, Clarence, and Clinton Hall.

A visitation for Barb will be held at the Stone Funeral Home, on May 24, 2022, from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. Her Homecoming service will be the following day, May 25, 2022, at Jesus Is Lord Community Church at 11:30 a.m.  Pastor Ward Potts will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in her memory are asked to consider Jesus Is Lord Community Church (10593 Seneca Ave, Charlevoix, MI 49720) and/or The Care Team Hospice (441 South Main St, Suite 3, Standish, MI 48658).

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc.

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