Barbara Lea (Michels) Ahlfield

Barbara Lea (Michels) Ahlfield, age 82, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025.

The family will have visitation from 4:00 to 6:00pm, Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Funeral services will be held 1:00PM CST Friday, May 9, 2025 at Meyer Funeral Home in her home town of Olney, IL with Rev. Todd Bettis officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the services and burial will follow at Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney, IL.

She was born on June 21, 1942, in Olney, Illinois, to the late Vila ‘Leone’ Michels and Herschel Maurice Michels.

In 1958, Barbara married the love of her life, John Ahlfield. Together, they raised four children: Jerry (Cheryl) Ahlfield, Sheryl Kay (Keith) Porter, Debra Evermon, and Pamela (John) Lenhardt. In the early 1970s, Barbara and John moved their family to Columbus, Georgia, where Barbara lovingly became known as "MeMe" to her eight grandchildren: Brandon, Danielle, Cody, Kristin, Valerie, Kristine, Wesley, and Jacob.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, Leone and Herschel; her sister, Ilene; her niece, Kim and son-in-law David. She is survived by her siblings, Shelby, Arlene, Dennis, Jeff, and Diana; her stepmother, Norma; her four children and their spouses; her eight grandchildren; and her eleven great-grandchildren: Tyler, Kendall, Chase, Eli, Ruthie, Carri, Dawson, Luke, Levi, Lucy, Cecilia, Agnes. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Barbara had a warm and friendly spirit and enjoyed her time working as a waitress at The Dog n Suds. She was also a loyal employee at Kirven's for many years. Barbara was a dedicated member of Central Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and sang in the choir.

However, her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was their devoted "MeMe," always ready to pick them up from school, take them to ball practice, host fun-filled sleepovers, and proudly attend all of their special events.

In her recent years, MeMe was also known as the Bingo Queen of The Gardens at Calvary. She enjoyed many activities, never missing the opportunity to dance and sing. The Staff at The Gardens became like Family taking great care of MeMe.

MeMe's loving presence and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, though gratefully appreciated, the family encourages donations in Barbara’s memory to two organizations that played a meaningful role in her care: The Gardens at Calvary (https://thegardensatcalvary.com/donations-needed/), or Columbus Hospice (https://www.columbushospice.com/donate)