ISHPEMING, MI – Barbara A. Jutila, age 84, of Ishpeming, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospital – Butterworth.

Barbara was born on March 16, 1942, in Grand Rapids to Lloyd and Dolores Bilow. When Barbara was very young, her family moved to the Upper Peninsula in search of work in the local mines. She spent much of her childhood in Iron Mountain before eventually making her way to the Ishpeming area, where she would build a life centered around family, faith, creativity, and helping others.

Barbara graduated from Ishpeming High School after attending night school to earn her diploma. She also earned her cosmetology license and spent many years working as a cosmetologist in Iron Mountain and Wisconsin before returning to Ishpeming.

Barbara's love story with her husband, Ray, began during a simple walk one day. Ray was home on leave from the military when he spotted Barbara and thought she was cute. The two kept in touch throughout their lives, and their relationship eventually led to marriage in the mid-1980s at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee.

Barbara was a woman who truly never sat still. She was always busy, always finding something to do, and always looking for ways to use her many talents. In fact, those who knew her well could tell she wasn't feeling herself when she would slow down. She loved crafts of every kind, including ceramics, knitting, crocheting, painting, baking, and cake decorating. If there was a craft to try, Barbara was willing to give it a go. In more recent years, she devoted much of her creativity to making beautiful handmade cards.

She also loved to travel and enjoyed taking trips with various senior groups. Her adventures took her to Boston, Florida, Alaska, Texas, England, and many other destinations. She made the most of every opportunity to explore somewhere new and create memories along the way.

Barbara also had a special talent for shopping. She could spot the most expensive item in a store and, just as easily, find the best bargain. Finding a good deal was one of her many joys, and she was always on the lookout for her next great find.

Her interests extended well beyond crafting and traveling. Barbara was active in her church, participated in book clubs, and was a member of the Red Hats. She also volunteered with the Bell Hospital Auxiliary for nearly 40 years. Giving her time to the hospital was especially meaningful to her, and she took great pride in helping others and being part of her community.

Above all else, Barbara was devoted to her family. Her favorite people in the world were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy. She helped raise two generations and was always there to offer love, support, and, when necessary, a little extra attention. If there was one word to describe Barbara, it would be caring. She cared deeply about the people in her life, sometimes even a little more than her children and grandchildren might have thought necessary, but that was simply Barbara. Her love was constant, her concern was genuine, and her family never had to wonder how much they meant to her.

Barbara's busy hands, generous heart, creative spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Jutila; her two sons, Larry LaMere and Randy LaMere; her grandchildren, Ric (Janet) LaMere, Jennifer LaMere, Ashley (Josh) Petrovich, Josh LaMere, Heather (Caleb Reynolds) Clarke, Brett LaMere, and Johnathon Lawry; her great-grandchildren, Anthony and Chloe Clarke, Charlotte and Kinley LaMere, and Caleb LaMere; her four sisters; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Bilow and Dolores (James) Quick; her daughter, Wendy LaMere; and her grandparents.

A funeral service for Barbara will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the church hall.

Interment will take place at a later date at Quinnesec Cemetery.

A full obituary may be viewed at Bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.