Barbara J. Drent

Barbara J. Drent age 69 of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at her home. She was born December 31, 1953 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Jim and Betty (Zweedyk) Rode. She loved line dancing and tending to farm animals especially the horses and cattle. She took pride in raising hundreds of calves over the years. In addition to being a devoted farm wife and grandmother, she enjoyed traveling thousands of miles coast to coast in the passenger seat of a Kenworth. Surviving are her husband of 36 years, Bernard Drent Sr, children, Angela (Chad) VanSyckle, Jason Helzer, Rachael (Chad) Zentz. She was blessed with her extended family, Bernard (Connie) Drent Jr, Trudy Rode; sisters, Ruth VanHouten, Betsy (David) McIntyre, Mary Wileman, Carol (Pete) Drent; brothers, Eddie (Elizabeth) Knuth, Loren (Cheryl) Knuth; 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; dear friends, Margie (Don) Swanson and Pat (Jerry) Brown. She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Floyd VanHouten; Mary Ellen Kerns; son, Jeremy Rode; and Mr. George LeMunyon. The family will greet friends Thursday, February 2 from 6-8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Friday 1:00 pm. Visitation will begin Friday at 12:00 pm. Pastor David Van Harten officiating. Interment Solon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.