Barbara Livingstone Wallace, 79, passed away March 11, 2021, in Grand Rapids after a valiant battle with ALS. She was born on April 7, 1941, in Edmore to Nuel and Ruth (Purdon) Donley. Barbara grew up in Big Rapids and attended Big Rapids schools though her sophomore year. She graduated from Kemper Hall in Wisconsin but remained extremely close to her classmates from the Big Rapids graduating Class of 59. She earned a Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University in Social Science and attended graduate school for Public Administration at Central Michigan University. Barbara raised her family in Big Rapids and was a very active and passionate member of her community and State. She served as the Executive Director of the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, President of the General Federation of Womens Club Michigan (GFWC), National Co-Chairman GFWC/FBI Crime Prevention and Victim Assistance Program, Member of the Michigan Sesquicentennial Commission and was the Senior Public Relations Administrator for Amway. She moved to Washington DC and began a 15-year career with the United States Department of Agriculture, returning to Grand Rapids in her final position as USDAs National Community Conservation Specialist. She was a strong advocate for women and served as a Michigan Girl Scout leader in Big Rapids. One of her many activities included the introduction of McGruff the Crime Dog and the National campaign to "Take a Bite out of Crime." The first McGruff costume was sewn at Fabricana in Big Rapids. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family, working on genealogy, volunteering and cherished time with her grandson. Barb leaves behind those who deeply loved her, including her daughter Wendy and grandson Cody of Grand Rapids, brother John Donley of Ann Arbor and dear friend Russ Hinkle, plus many cousins and lifelong friends. Barbara was preceded in death by husband James Wallace, on April 11, 2009. Barbara will be buried in a private ceremony at Highland View Cemetery. A virtual Celebration of Life will be held on April 25th. Memorial contribution in Barbaras name may be made to the Revive & Thrive Project at Reviveandthriveproject.org for an online contribution or mailed to 4000 Remembrance Rd. NW, Walker, MI 49534 or to the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore at https://www.gsmists.org. Share a memory, picture, or condolence for the family by accessing the guestbook at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Celebration of Life Sunday, April 25, 2021 1:00 PM Virtual Memorial