Barbara Jean (Steele) Vandermark

Barbara Jean (Steele) Vandermark 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 7, 2022.

Barbara was born on April 22, 1938 in Alameda, CA. to Mattie Pearl and Harry Steele.  She spent her first 10 years in CA. before moving to Marion.  She graduated from Marion High School in 1956 and worked as an executive secretary.  She met her husband Earl “Fritz” Vandermark and the two were married on April 11, 1959.

 Barbara was a beloved member of Sunnycrest United Methodist Church.  She also was a volunteer; she would help with the blanket ministry and various other committees.    Barbara also volunteered at the YWCA, the Hostess House, Marion Health and her neighborhood association. 

 Over the years, Barbara enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, craft projects, flowers, collecting tea cups and crystal figurines.  She was an excellent cook and was known for her delicious homemade pies, butterscotch being a family favorite. 

 In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Ed Steele; sister in-laws Marilyn (Vandermark) Jernigan, Sue (Vandermark) Cook and brother in-law Robert “Bob” Cook. 

 Barbara was very much loved and will be greatly missed by her family; her husband of 63 years Earl “Fritz” Vandermark; daughters Lisa (Tim) Ropp, Gas City, Michele (Jeff) Hauck, Cicero and Julie Kelley, Marion; a son, James “Jim” Vandermark, Marion; four grandsons, Jacob (Sara) Hauck; Christian (Ashlynn) Kelley; Joshua Kelley ( fiancée Madison Crisp); Matthew Kelley; brother in-law, Ed Jernigan; nieces Cindy Higgins and Teresa Wolfe; nephews Greg Cochrane and Jeff (Linda) Wolfe; her cousins, Geneva Roberts and Mary (Greg) Kwasny as well as great-nieces and nephews and other beloved relatives and friends.

 Barbara loved her family, friends and Church family.  She had a servant’s heart and was a good listener and faithful friend.  She displayed her genuine walk and faithfulness to the Lord with a quiet and generous spirit. 

 Friends and Family may call from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.  Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church, 1921 W. Bradford St. Marion In. 46952.

 Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 P.M.  directly after viewing, with Pastor Mark Helm officiating.   The graveside service will take place at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, immediately following the service. 

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Barbara, to Sunnycrest United Methodist Church 1921 W. Bradford St. Marion In. 46952. Sunnycrestchurchmarion.org 

 Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com

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