Barbara Ellen Werner, 72, of LaPorte, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, in her home.
She was born May 19, 1942, in Ypsilanti, MI, to Gerald and Doloros (Lang) Van Denburgh.
Barbara was a graduate of Union Township High School and studied at Purdue North Central. She worked in medical billing at home and also for LaPorte Hospital, The McKee Group and Hospice at Home, St. Joseph, MI. Barbara was very active in the LaPorte community, working at Albano’s Villa and as a driver for New Day Foundation, and serving as a member of First United Methodist Church, PNC Women’s Club, Master Gardeners, Eastern Star, Extension Homemakers, and PSI Iota XI, and as a supporter of 4-H and the “Save the Barn.” She was also active with Habitat for Humanity, traveling to Mississippi and New Orleans to help with Hurricane Katrina disaster relief and volunteering and serving meals for the Salvation Army. Barbara will be remembered as a “doer” for anyone and she deeply loved family functions with children and grandchildren.
In October 1961, in Union Mills, IN, she married David Werner, who preceded her in death in 1985.
Her parents also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her four children, Tammy (Paul) Heinen, Jeffrey (Dawn) Werner, Kelly (Terry) Nelson and Kevin (Susan) Werner; three brothers, Brian Van Denburgh, Barry (Vickie) Van Denburgh and Jerry Van Denburgh; six grandchildren, Jon, Joe, Nathan, Alex, Abbie and KC; five great-grandchildren; her best friend, Sharon Green; and her co-worker, Pat.
A funeral celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Evan Lash officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will be in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the New Day Foundation, P.O. Box 13, LaPorte, IN 46352.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.