Barbara J. Steffes

Barbara J. Steffes, 87, of Hoagland, Indiana passed away Sunday evening, January 5, 2025, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur, Indiana.

She was born on July 22, 1937 in Monroeville, Indiana to Orval Gilbert and Violet (Jewel) Gilbert. Barbara was united in marriage to Raymond Steffes on July 19, 1986 at St. John Lutheran Church – Flatrock.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church – Flatrock where she served her church on the Altar Guild as she was able in the past. She was also an Associate Member of Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

Barbara was a 1955 graduate of Monroeville High School. She was employed for over 25 years as a production worker at General Electric in Fort Wayne. Prior to working at GE, she was also served as a traveling librarian for the Allen County Public Library System which allowed her to visit many of the area schools to showcase the benefits that the Allen County Library was able to provide.

Barbara enjoyed reading and knitting, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Ray and Barbara also benefitted from years spent in Florida during the winter…something that was meaningful to them both.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond “Tony” Steffes of Hoagland, Indiana; two daughters, Debbie (Chuck) Zobel-Moughler of New Haven, Indiana and Darla Zobel Balli of Lakeland, Florida; seven step-children; four grandchildren, Kyle Fry, Brandon Fry, Hannah Mosley and Faith Mosley, all of Lakeland, Florida and a great-granddaughter, Trinity Morello of Lakeland, Florida 

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth McDowell and Iva Stevenson; and two brothers, Marvin Gilbert and Larry Gilbert.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 at the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock in Monroeville, Indiana with Pastor Douglas Christian officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Flatrock.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock Parish Hall and from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Friday prior to the service at the church.

Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock or Hoagland Fire Department.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana.