Kaye E. Barbas

Kaye Elizabeth Barbas, age 81, passed away October 31, 2020 at her residence. She was born on April 29, 1939 in Detroit to Kenneth and Dorothy (nee Karth) Davis. A Royal Oak resident since 1973, she and her husband, Peter, worked together building a few businesses over the course of forty years. In the 1980s they started Flagg Carpet Cleaning in tandem with Tel-Bar Services which operated out of buildings on Lincoln Ave. in Royal Oak near the Boys & Girls Club. In the mid-80s they took an opportunity to do painting work at the original Cadillac plant on Fort St. in Detroit. That was so successful, they closed Tel-Bar Services (a janitorial supplies company), gave Flagg Carpet Cleaning to two young brothers who worked for them, and opened Flagg Cleaning Systems, Inc. which went on to specialize in industrial paint waste removal, paint booth and factory cleaning, painting, and specialty coatings. In 1989, they moved “The Business”, as it came to be referred to in the family, to Berkley, MI. Kaye could be found there in her office telling stories and “holding court” until she was 80 years old when the business was closed. She was a very social person and loved going to restaurants, flea markets and spending time in her yard and gardens. She enjoyed canning her famous wild black raspberry jam and stewed tomatoes – both usually made from what was grown in her yard. She took cake decorating classes in the late 70s/early 80s. Becoming quite talented at it, she rented a stand at the Royal Oak Farmers Market for a short period of time. Over the years, just about everyone who knew her, had their “special occasion” cake decorated by her – for free. In later but more able-bodied years she and Peter spent winter months in Florida. Her favorite destination being Sanibel Island, where she liked collecting seashells. She will be remembered for her wicked sense of humor and her mastery of storytelling! Beloved wife of the late Peter, who preceded her in death on April 7, 2018. Loving mother of Sara Barbas, John (Pamela) Barbas and Jim (Shanan) Barbas. Proud grandmother of Jacob Parker, Kaitlyn Barbas and Olivia Barbas. Dear sister of Linda Davis. The family will receive friends on Friday 12 pm until time of memorial service 1 pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blocks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. In accordance with Michigan Department of Public Health, masks are required to enter the funeral home and twenty people may visit at a time. The memorial service will be live streamed a few minutes prior to the service. Memorial contributions to American Heart/Stoke Association- www.heart.org or National Kidney Foundation - www.kidney.org are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Kaye E. Barbas

April 29, 1939 - October 31, 2020