Barbara Ann (Bock) Michaels, 86, of Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on October, 4, 2026, at Liza’s Place, surrounded by family that loved her dearly.
Barbara was born October 20, 1939, in Wheeling to Arnold and Mildred Sorge Bock. Barbara was a devoted daughter, sister, sister-in-law, wife, mother, and grandmother (Nana) whose legacy is one of kindness to all and steadfast friendship to those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be remembered for her enduring love of her family and friends, her quick wit and her remarkable ability to remain strong and positive through life’s challenges and the joy she found through dancing. When the music played Barbara could not resist the urge to get up and dance. Barbara was an avid fan of WVU football and basketball as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers, loved bowling, flower gardening, and maintaining a meticulous home.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Michaels, Sr.; brothers Arnold “Buck” Bock and James Bock.
Barbara is survived by her son, Robert (Luanne) Michaels, Jr., of Georgetown, Kentucky; granddaughter, Savannah (Tommy) Harkins, of Lexington, Kentucky; son, Bryan (Teresa) Michaels of Wheeling; granddaughter, Lauryn (Alex) Rozum, and grandson, Trent Michaels, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own children, and sisters-in-law, Margie Bock and Kathie Bock.
The family would like to thank Emma LaRocco and the Dolan Family who held a special place in Barbara’s heart and who affectionately referred to Barbara as “Nana Michaels”, for all of their love and support.
The family is eternally grateful for the care Barbara received and the friendships she formed with both staff and residents while living the past four years at Elmhurst, The House of Friendship, and for the compassionate care provided in her final weeks at Liza’s Place.
At Barbara’s request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date. Barbara will be interred alongside her husband at Halcyon Hills Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Wheeling Park’s White Palace Veranda Room, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Elmhurst, The House of Friendship, 1228 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003, Valley Hospice Care Center South Liza’sPlace, 308 Mount St. Joseph Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003, or to Breakthrough T1D (formally Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) 501 Martindale St., Suite 670, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
