Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Barbara Stauffer Fuller

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

Barbara Stauffer Fuller
August 6, 1925 – July 29, 2014

Barbara Stauffer Fuller, 88, died at her home in Ann Arbor, Michigan on July 29, 2014. She was born to Robert and Irene Angel Stauffer on August 6, 1925, in North Manchester, IN. On January 16, 1948, she married Russell M. Fuller.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Barbara earned a Masters degree in Christian Ethics from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. In 1955, she returned with her family to live in Ann Arbor. A member of Memorial Christian Church, she was an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) From 1980 to 1996 Barbara directed a program for Reconciliation with Vietnam for the Division of Overseas Ministries (today Global Ministries) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), leading 13 delegations to visit Vietnam as one way to build bridges of mutual concern and assistance. As a former president of the Disciples Peace Fellowship (DPF), she and her husband Russell, were awarded DPF’s Whitkamper Award for lifelong work for peace and justice.

Described by her family as “an inveterate peacenik,” Barbara Fuller was driven by her love for all people and an incorrigible sense of justice. She was the principal founder of the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, in Ann Arbor, for which she served as a staff member for many years.

Her only greater love was her family, who survive her: Barbara’s husband of 66 years, Reverend Russell M. Fuller; a daughter, Barbara (Kelvin Seifert); a son, Rusty (Jamie Saville); a daughter, Katherine (Kit); and four grandchildren, Michael (Monica) and Elizabeth Seifert; Zoey and Tobias Fuller. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Roy; a sister, Anne, and her parents.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday August 4, 2014, at First Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent to Reverend Russell Fuller, 1403 Iroquois Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48104). The family suggests that honorary gifts be given to: Journey of Faith Christian Church (formerly Memorial Christian Church, 1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104), Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice (1679 Broadway, Ann Arbor, MI 48105), or Arbor Hospice (2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103).