Barbara Joan Kolch, 86, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in her home, surrounded by her beloved dog, Sunny, and her son, Kurt.

 

Barbara was born on March 21, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to John Toland and Vernell O’Connor Toland. She attended Central Michigan University, where she met her husband, Marvin James Kolch. They were married on May 27, 1960, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

 

Barbara worked as a secretary and office manager, with her final position at the Maryland Country Club in Bel Air, Maryland. As the wife of a U.S. Army officer for 25 years, she lived in many places throughout the country. Her favorite home was Oberammergau, Germany, where she developed a lifelong love of travel, especially to Europe.

 

In 2009, Barbara moved to The Villages, Florida, which became her second-favorite home after Germany. She was an active volunteer at The Villages Hospital until 2024 and greatly enjoyed her community and the many friendships she formed there.

 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ed Toland; her ex-husband, Marvin James Kolch; and her daughter, Connie Kay Kolch Crossland.

She is survived by her son, Kurt Kolch; daughter-in-law, Sharon Kolch; granddaughters, Erin Shadbolt and Kirsten Kolch; great-granddaughters, Emmy and Ella Shadbolt; and her faithful companion, Sunny.

 

 

A memorial service will be held at North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake, Florida 32159, on February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local humane society.

 

The family extends sincere thanks to Cornerstone Hospice and all the compassionate professionals who cared for Barbara during her final year.