Barbara Mae Prill

Barbara Mae Siedel was born in Deerfield, Mich., on January 7, 1938. She was the only child born from the union of Guy Francis Siedel and Bernice Mae (Rusling) Siedel. She attended Britton High School, graduating with the Class of 1955.  

Barb married the love of her life, Richard Walter Prill, on September 22, 1956, in Deerfield.  The couple was soon blessed with two children, and Barb cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker. She was a wonderful cook, making delicious pies and cookies, homemade bread, and cooking many meals from scratch. Many guests commented that her apple pie was the best they had ever had. She loved to entertain and enjoyed having a house full of people. Those who stopped by to eat never went away hungry.  

Barb continued her education by attending night school for four years through Cleary University. Her dedication was rewarded as she earned her associate in marketing. Over the years she held several different positions outside the home. She worked in typewriter sales in Adrian at Kewaunee office equipment. She performed office work at HW Tuttle. For a short period of time, she and Richard were both employed at Ford Motor Company’s Rawsonville plant as she served in a clerical role.

Barb enjoyed gardening, spending countless hours in her shade garden. The hostas, hydrangeas, and ground cover brought her so much joy. She also enjoyed sewing and quilting, belonging to a quilting club, scrapbooking, genealogy, and collecting her Dickens Village items.

Barb was a woman of devout Christian faith. She generously supported the Baptist Mid-Missions and was close with many missionaries. She regularly studied the Bible knowing that the word of God could sustain her. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter in Adrian. She had also served on the Macon Township Planning Commission.

Barb was known for her positive outlook. She was a lady, well put together all the time, and insisted on always looking her best. She was quite stylish in her day and made much of her clothing and accessories herself. She had a sweet disposition, was kind and compassionate. A great listener, she often put the needs of others ahead of her own.  

Barbara Mae Prill, age 88 of Tecumseh passed away at her home on Sunday March 1, 2026.  She was under the compassionate care of Arbor Hospice.  Her passing was preceded by her parents and her beloved husband of 67 years, Richard Walter Prill on December 26, 2023, and a granddaughter, Sarah Michelle Mashburn.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children, Brenda Sue Prill of Jackson, Mich. and Richard Todd (Julie) Prill of Monroe, Mich.; three grandchildren, Crystal Stevens, Jared (Erin) Sanders, and Spencer (Adena) Prill; five great-grandchildren, Jadea, Sonya, Sophia, Logan, and Quinn.

Friends may gather at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Deerfield Township Cemetery, West Kingsbury Road, Deerfield, Michigan 49238. Pastor Roy Southerland of Lambertville Community Church will officiate. Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee, 297 Tecumseh St., Dundee, Michigan 48131, 734-529-3156, has been entrusted with her care. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Mich., a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Franklin Graham’s Samaritans Purse. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting merklefs.com.