Barbara (Kieler) Elkins

Barbara Ann Elkins, age 86, formerly of Oliver Lake in Lagrange County and most recently of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Park Place Senior Living in Fort Wayne following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Mrs. Elkins lived her childhood in Arcola, Indiana, born May 5, 1936 to the late Alfred and Rita (Crandall) Kieler. She had a sister, Mary Ellen and a brother, Donald. She married Norman Elkins on September 26, 1953 and they lived in the Fort Wayne area. She raised five children and was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She loved each one of them dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Barbara previously lived a busy life as a devoted wife, homemaker and loving mother of five children. She her cherished grandchildren. She also devoted 30 years to a working career at Dana Corporation, where she retired in 1996. 

For much of her adult life, Barb lived at Oliver Lake in Lagrange County. She loved the serenity of the lake and the beauty of nature. She enjoyed living the lake life and especially loved visits from her family that always included cooking great meals. Barb was an amazing cook! 

Later in life, Barb lived in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she greatly enjoyed her retirement days. She was surrounded by many friends, family and warm days walking the beaches. Great times and laughter were the order of each day. 

Barb loved her family dearly. She also always had a smile on her face and a kind word for friends and strangers alike. Barb’s love, laughter and caring personality will be missed greatly by family and all who knew her. 

Survivors include:
Daughter, Cindy and Bob Nobles of Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Daughter, Sandy and Terry Berger of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Son, Norman Elkins of Auburn, Indiana.
Son, Steven Elkins of Auburn, Indiana.
Daughter, Jeannette and Tim Gage of Huntington, Indiana.
14 grandchildren: Chad (Jennifer) Leggett, Bryan (Danielle) Leggett, Jennifer (Joseph) Myers, Matthew Nobles, Shaun (Lindsay) Berger, Lisa (Kyle) Smith, Kyle (Kristiana) Berger, Melissa (Jeremy) Sewards, Jason Elkins, Tiffany (Seth) McNeil, Stephen Elkins, Daniel Trick (deceased), Kristie Gage, and Brandon (Melissa) Gage. 
17 great grandchildren.
Sister, Mary Ellen Cavanaugh of Sturgis, Michigan.
Brother, Donald Kieler is deceased. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with visitation at 11:00 AM prior to the service. Pastor John Moody will officiate the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Allen County or Alzheimer’s Association. 
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home.

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