Barbara A. Reams

Barbara Ann Reams, age 83, of Tecumseh, Mich. passed away, January 9, 2025, at Springcreek Rehab & Nursing Center in Adrian. Barbara was born May 6, 1941, in Pittsburg, Ky., the daughter of William Sr. and Emily (Johnson) Rader. Barbara graduated from high school in Laurel County, Ky. She married William “Raymond” Reams. They were only married a short period of time when Raymond Reams died in 1965.  

Barbara was a caregiver for many families in Kentucky and as far south as Florida. She really enjoyed being a caregiver for seniors and transferred to various families when her services ended.  

In 2010, Barbara was caring for a patient in South Carolina and following her death, Barbara was struggling where to settle down. Barbara’s family encouraged her to come to Tecumseh, where she could be near her sister, Ella Mae Hood, her sister-in-law, Jennie Rader and nephew, Gary Rader. Barbara took a Greyhound bus to Tecumseh and lived with her sister for over five months. Barbara was finally able to live independently in an apartment for seniors at Orchard Terrace in Tecumseh, where she lived for over ten years. When Barbara needed full time care, she was admitted to Springcreek Rehab and Nursing Center in Adrian.  

Barbara is survived by her nephew, Gary (Merry) Rader of Erie, Mich., and many other nephews and nieces in Ohio, Kentucky and Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Sr. and Emily (Johnson) Rader; husband, William “Raymond” Reams; sisters, Zelma, Ella Mae, Grace and Mildred; and brothers, William Jr. “Red,” James and Fred Rader.  

Gary Rader would like to thank all the staff that cared for his aunt Barbara at Springcreek Nursing Center and the staff at Hospice of Lenawee who cared for Barbara at the same facility. Memorial contributions may be made to
Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy, Adrian, MI 49221.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI 49221. pursefuneralhome.com.