Barbara S Naruta

Barbara Sue Naruta, 83, of Port Huron Township died Thursday, February 12, 2026.

She was born July 7, 1942 in Port Huron to the late Kent and Ruth Parrott. She married Michael A. Naruta in 1980. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2024.

Barbara contributed to the community through a career as a junior high teacher in the Port Huron Area School District. She was known for teaching generations of Port Huron students the foundations of English grammar. Barb was a teacher union representative, and when unions were strong in the late 1970s had also served as the local teacher union president, helping teachers achieve improved contracts and working conditions. Throughout her career she was always available to give her time and experience to help teachers with issues they may be facing.

Barb was a skilled genealogist, conducting on site and deep library research to develop histories of her Parrott and Keyworth families. Her photo compilations and factual narratives were a beloved part of family reunions. Barb’s oral histories also preserved family stories from elders.

Once retired Barb was also an avid volunteer of the Detroit Opera, helping with details in making the singers comfortable, and cultivating a library of historic illustrations that she used in designing the print materials that complemented the opera’s public education event series.

For college Barbara attended Western Michigan University, where she was a member of WMU’s first ever women’s basketball team. She had passion for geography, and recalled the hardships the female students experienced due to having to be back in their dorms by curfew, denying female students the extra time in the lab that male students could enjoy.

In retirement Barb also greatly enjoyed her pet chickens.

She is survived by two step-children, Anna Naruta-Moya and Daniel Naruta; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Parrott.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron.

To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com