BOURBON — Barbara Lee Westafer, 87, formerly of Bourbon, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017, in Signature Health Care, Bremen. She had been in failing health for several years.
Barbara was born May 29, 1930, the daughter of Ira Lee and Elsie Mullins, in St. Joseph County. On April 1, 1947, in Rochester, she married Eugene “Dusty” Westafer, who passed away Nov.12, 2002.
Surviving family include a daughter, Susan (and Terry) Bon Durant, Bremen; son, David (and Jeannie Westafer), Dickson, Tenn.; and daughter-in-law, Jolene Westafer, Xenia, Ohio. Barbara was also blessed with nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and sisters: Joan Leffert, Sharon (and John) Robinson and Betty Weirick.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Dennis in 2014 and Duane “Doug” on Jan. 9, 2017; sister, Marybelle Conners; brother, John Mullins; and brothers-in-law: Gerald Leffert, Fred Conners and Gene Weirick.
Barbara worked in a factory for a short time, but most of all, was a homemaker, gardener and helped manage the family farm and the family business, The Bourbon Foundry.
Barbara grew up with family values like homemade meals with all the trimmings and raising a lot of their food from her parents’ garden. Her experiences of farm life were found memories of hers.
One thing Barbara was known for was her “yodeling.” She was a member of a bowling league. She enjoyed going out to eat, going on golf trips with her husband and friends, spending time with family and playing cards.
Barbara and Dusty were generous with donations to Triton High School and were known for surprising their grandchildren with generous gifts. The couple enjoyed sharing what they had with others and preferred to live simply.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 24, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon, where she will be placed with her husband of 55 years.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is entrusted with arranging the services.
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Memorials to The Country Church, Food Pantry, 2951 E. 9B Road, Bourbon, IN 46504.
