Barbara J. Cox-Rao

Age 60, passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Barb was born in Kalamazoo on March 28, 1959, the daughter of the late Carl F. and Alice M. (Worden) Surrency. She spent most of her life in the Parchment area and was a 1977 graduate of Parchment High School. Parchment is also where she met her late husband Jerry Cox, who she married on December 31, 1983. He preceded her in death on October 29, 2002.

Barb had a very kind heart and enjoyed caring for others. She spent much of her life caring for her late husband Jerry, her children and as a caregiver for many years. When it came to children and seniors, she always had a special place in her heart for them. She also loved animals and had many pets as she enjoyed having their companionship. Barb enjoyed spending time with and spoiling her grand-dog, Darla.

She had a passion for and spent a great deal of time working with flowers, gardening and building her beautiful perennial gardens. Barb took great pride in all the beautiful flowers she grew over the years. Her house was always full of plants. When she wasn’t working in her yard, she loved crafting. She enjoyed crocheting, and made such beautiful blankets, she often gifted to others. Barb didn’t stop her creative passion just at crocheting though, she also loved knitting, working with dried flowers, sewing and her more recent discovery of Pinterest and all the things she could make.

Her purse collection was unmatched. It didn’t matter where she went or how many she already had at home; Barb was always on the hunt for a new purse.

Barb will be deeply missed by her friends, family and all those that her kind heart had touched over the years.

Barb was also preceded in death by her sister, Sandra (Floyd) Sleeman and her beloved grand-dog, Darla. Barb is survived by her husband, Manjunath H. Rao, who she married on February 3, 2007. She is also survived by her daughter, Lindsey Hashmi; son, Brady Cox; sisters, Dorothy (Gary) McLeod, Patti (Gary) Gates, Becky (Ron) Tucker, Sherri (Chris) Moore and Dawn (William) Sage; as well as many nieces and nephews.