Barbara Ann (Gehring) Eickholtz, 87, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026.

She was born on Jan 22, 1938 in Kendallville, Indiana. On June 6, 1959 she married Henry Eickholtz in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was her best friend and a wonderful partner and supporter throughout their 48 year marriage. He preceded her in death on Jan 8, 2008.

Barbara was the daughter of the late Arthur and Earleen (Heign) Gehring. In her youth, she lived and worked on her parents' dairy farm in Wayne Township. She enjoyed playing with her younger brother, Don Gehring, and was a member of Wayne Center United Methodist Church. She was active in 4-H and enjoyed playing softball.

Barbara graduated from Kendallville High School in the class of 1956. She earned her bachelor's degree from Purdue University in Home Economics in 1960 and her master's degree from St. Francis College in Home Economics Education in 1967. After completing her studies, Barbara taught Home Economics in Fort Wayne and Wolcottville. She went on to work as Food Service Director for East Noble School Corporation from 1981-1998.

Barbara met Henry while attending Purdue. After their marriage, they lived briefly in Ypsilanti, Michigan, while Henry attended graduate school. After his graduation, they moved to Fort Wayne where all three of their children were born. In 1972, Barbara and Henry bought a farm in Kendallville less than a mile from her parents' farm.

Barbara loved to cook. She also loved to pick berries, whether they were strawberries, blueberries, or her favorite, black raspberries. She was known for her homemade black raspberry jelly and pies. She also enjoyed traveling, going to plays, and quilting.

Barbara was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville for over 50 years, participating in many volunteer activities through the Rosary Sodality women's group, such as baking pies for Kendallville's Apple Festival and coordinating many funeral dinners. She was also a member of Creative Friends Home Ec Club.

In her later years, Barbara's favorite past times were watching her great-grandchildren play and meeting her cousins Judy Springer, Pat Fiandt, and Patti Jo and Greg Hart for lunch and visits from cousin, Jewel Sawatsky. She also kept up many treasured and long-lasting friendships.

Barbara is survived by her three children: Cheryl Krueckeberg of Bradenton, Florida, Karen (Kevin) High of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Tom (Emily) Eickholtz of Kendallville; six grandchildren: Ryan Krueckeberg, Kelly (Rubenn) Remy, Elaine (Chris) Auer, Alex Eickholtz, Collin High and Clayton High; four great-grandchildren: Kyler Auer, Lyanna Auer, Giovanni Remy, and Mateo Remy; a brother: Don Gehring of Indianapolis; and a host of relatives and friends. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her infant grandchildren, Ethan and Erica Eickholtz.

Visitation will be Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville, where Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville with Father J. Steele officiating.

Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery in Charlestown, Indiana.

Pallbearers are Elaine Auer, Chris Auer, Alex Eickholtz, Collin High, Clayton High, and Joe Barker.

Memorial gifts are requested to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

View a video tribute after Friday or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com