Barbara Ellen Meyer

Barbara Ellen Meyer passed away at home, surrounded in care by her loved ones, in Grandville, MI, on October 24, 2025. She was 83.

She was predeceased by her younger brothers, Doug and Andy.

Barb was the daughter of Ellen Oliver and Byron G. Dannison. Born February 2, 1942, in South Haven, MI, Barb led a full life centered around animals. She loved that she was born on a day named for an animal - Groundhog Day.

The family lived on South Manitou Island until Barb was six years old. Her father worked for the U.S Coast Guard. Those early years helped shape a lifelong love of nature and animals. The island was an isolated place for someone as friendly and social as Barb. With no other children on the island, she happily made friends with the wildlife! She and her dad would heal injured birds and the wildlife, and always returned them to the wild.

Just before she started the first grade, the family decided to leave their idyllic life and move to St. Joseph, MI. Barb was so excited to make friends that, on the first day of school, she brought all of the kids home to play!

Unfortunately, Barb’s father suffered a fatal heart attack just days before her seventh birthday. Their beloved dog died later that evening. A kitten showed up at the cemetery on the day of the funeral, and Barb took it as a sign from her dad.

Her mother later married Richard Andrew Jorgenson Sr., who became a loving father to her and Doug. She was soon to be joined by three half-brothers:  Andy, Dale, and Dean.

Wildlife held a special place in Barb’s heart throughout her life. This passion inspired her to proudly serve as a volunteer at John Ball Zoo since 1999. Barb made many lasting friendships at the zoo. She enjoyed teaching the public about conservation and especially loved showing ambassador animals, even spiders!

Her 25-year story at the zoo is best told by the dozens of framed animal photos that cover the walls of her home.

Barb proudly served as an adoption counselor at the Humane Society of West Michigan. She helped with events and kids' camps for other animal welfare organizations as well.

Barb loved animals so much that she gave up smoking for her cat. In her 20s, she smoked four packs of cigarettes a day. Her veterinarian told her that she was killing her cat with secondhand smoke. After that, Barb never touched another cigarette. She kept an emergency carton in her freezer for about a year, thinking she could never go cold turkey, but she did.

Barb worked at Citizens Insurance as a claims adjuster for 42 years. She was one of the first female claims adjusters on the road in the 1970s - and even had to carry a gun. She loved her job and always loved working with people.

Barb expressed herself through style:  Fashion, jewelry, photography, and deeply loved the color purple! Her friends knew her to be honest, vibrant, and glamorous. She created safety and a sense of home for neighbors, friends, and animals alike. Her humor, pizzazz, and generosity always shimmered in conversation and in action. Her energy will never be forgotten.

Barb is survived by a vast and loving community of neighbors, friends, and family who miss her dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at John Ball Park Zoo’s Ambassador Ballroom on a date to be determined in Spring 2026. This setting reflects Barb’s everlasting affection for animals and serves as a befitting tribute to her memory. Barb will forever live on with us when we hold our fuzzy friends close and when we foster and adopt new friends at https://www.hswestmi.org/ or https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1415/Animal-Shelter