Barbara Ann Lutes
Oct. 18,, 1927 - Aug. 29, 2023
Barbara Ann Lutes, born October 18,1927 in South Bend, IN to Otto Wolfgang Koehler and Antoinette Kloska. She passed away in Elkhart, IN. August 29, 2023. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Lester F. Lutes in 1967. She chose to remain single until her present age saying she could never find another like Lester. Her brothers Ernest,Ted, and her sister Eileen all preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters Sandra Beattie (Melvin) of Helena MT and Susan Neuffer (Steve) of Elkhart, IN. She was blessed with four grandchildren: Trina Filan, Paul Filan, Jeffery James Neuffer and Jennifer Brie Neuffer. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless friends and neighbors she gathered through her many years.
The most important thing about Barbara (Bobbie) Lutes is that she loved life. She was interested and excited about every aspect of living in our world. She loved Nature and it's sheer beauty. Every day was a surprise. Every day was exciting. One of her favorite things to say is, “It certainly has been an interesting life”.
She loved music, played piano, and wanted to be a professional pianist until she found out she had to practice 8 hrs a day. The neighbors would open their windows to listen when they heard her play her beloved piano. She loved to read and taught her daughters an appreciation for sitting down with a good book. She was a fierce protector of little children and animals since they were the ones who most needed our care and attention. Barbara appreciated peace, harmony, and beauty as she demonstrated with her amazing gardens in the backyard and her welcoming home. She was a gentle soul and preferred being alone to being in a crowd. She was a soulful individual who also possessed strength, determination, and dignity. Above all else, she was a true lady in the old-fashioned sense. She possessed breeding, manners, and decorum. Barbara was also bound and determined to be independent for as long as possible. When she began to have falls she needed more watching since she wouldn’t behave. Many a time her daughter Susan would instruct her “You behave” and Barbara would answer, “I’ll try”! She was also blessed with a very dry sense of humor. She was a gem and will be missed by many.
We are so proud to call her Mom, Grandma, Aunt, friend and neighbor. She will remain in our memories as a very special lady. We love and will miss you, Barbara Ann Lutes, you were a true force of Nature.
There will be no viewing, no funeral service or graveside service per Barbara’s wishes. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society would be appreciated.
Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhome.com.
Published in the South Bend Tribune on August 30, 2023.
09/30/2023 DEC
https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Barbara-Lutes
