Barbara Jean "Barb" Soliz

     Barbara Jean "Barb" Soliz, age 86, of Elsie, MI, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4-8 P.M. and on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel.
     Barbara was born in Ionia County, MI on February 12, 1939, the daughter of Seth and Iva (Townsend) Noble. Barb married Ralph Soliz, Jr. on August 22, 1959 in Ovid, MI. She graduated from Ovid High School with the class of 1958. She graduated from the Mid-Michigan School of Practical Nursing in Harrison in 1982. She continued training in gerontology at Lansing Community College and was able to practice nursing for 20 years. Barb retired in 2002 from Ashley Healthcare Center. Barb enjoyed writing, poetry and camping in Lake City, MI. She had a love for reading and especially enjoyed the Bible and Karen Kingsbury series. Barb and Ralph were very active in many churches they attended throughout the years.
     She is survived by her husband Ralph Soliz, Jr. of Elsie, MI; children: Lisa (Neil) Criner of Elsie, MI; Tim (Michele) Soliz of Oakley, MI; Steve (Susan) Soliz of St. Johns, MI; and Rebecca Soliz (special friend Dr. Mark Holley) of Ovid, MI; grandchildren: Jennifer (Eric) Zuniga, Amy Jo (JC) Stoll, Matthew (Michelle) Criner, Rachael Soliz, Philip Soliz, Travis (Maria) Soliz, Nick LaPrell, Jason (Jodie) LaPrell, Jeannine LaPrell, Samantha (Evan) Bucher, Samantha (Robbie) Dobski, Sabreena Soliz, Mikaylah Poli, Justin Poli (Vayda Clingerman), and Alaina & Joshua Poli. She is also survived by 29 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, her brothers: Harold and Joyce Noble and Larry and Sandy Noble. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gary (Sue) Noble, and her daughter Laura Soliz.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help cover final expenses. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.