Beatrice A. Gauthier

Beatrice Gauthier passed away at the age of 90, on August 24, 2026, in Plainwell. 

She was born on October 22, 1935, the daughter of Carl and Helen (Thompson) Barber. Beatrice graduated from Otsego High School in 1954. As a young woman she worked at the131 Drive-In and Millie’s Soda Shop before focusing on raising her family. In her later years Beatrice dedicated her time as a playground aide at Starr Elementary School in Plainwell where she was lovingly known as Ms. B. 

She also enjoyed volunteering for Bingo at St. Margaret Catholic Church and with the Knights of Columbus. Beatrice was a member of the Otsego Elks, VFW Post #3030 and Moose Lodge. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling, taking trips to the casino, trying her luck with scratch off lotto tickets, doing yard work and bonfires in her yard. In 1954 she married George Gauthier and they spent 44 years together until his passing in 1998. 

Surviving are her children, Kathy Steele of Plainwell, Bev (Bob) Meert of Hopkins, Dawn (Eric Isaacsen) Richmond of Arizona, Gail (David) Chappell of Plainwell and George (Robin) Gauthier of Plainwell; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Yvonne Gauthier along with many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; longtime companion, Jim Enders and siblings, Gerald Barber, Lucille Woodhams, Lillian Stull, Doris Schuitaboer, Mildred Walker, Lawrence Barber, Marge Gilligan and her close sister, Bev Gauthier. 

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. 

A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. Margaret Cemetery in Otsego followed by a public celebration of Beatrice’s life starting at 12:30 P.M. until 3:30 P.M., at the Lake Doster County Club in Plainwell. 

Contributions in memory of Beatrice may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.