Barbara E. Near, age 86, of Shelby, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020.  She was born October 2, 1934 in Shelby to George and Cecil (Meredith) Near.  Barb was raised in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1953.  

She lived in Grand Rapids from 1959 to 1969 where she worked for Lear Siegler.  Barb moved back to Shelby and was a nurse's aide for twenty-six years at Lakeshore Community Hospital.  She resided at  the Oceana County Medical Care Facility the past ten years.  

She is survived by her brother, James G. (Donna M.) Near of Shelby; her sister, Beatrice (Robert) Wade of Alto; her sister-in-law, Doris Near; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard Near.

A graveside service will be held Friday, December 4th, 1 pm at Mennonite Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oceana County Medical Care Facility, 701 E. Main Street, Hart, MI  49420 or the Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI  48033.