Published: May 14, 2008 10:33 am         

Barbara J. Brower

Feb. 25, 1952-May 12, 2008

TOPEKA, Ind. — Barbara J. Brower, 56, 9980 W. 700 South, died Monday at 9:07 p.m. at her home. She had been ill for the past five years.

She was born Feb. 25, 1952, to Joseph and Saloma (Christner) Bontrager in LaGrange. Her parents preceded her in death.

She was a lifelong LaGrange County resident and co-owner of Brower’s Footwear in Topeka for 14 years. She attended Maple City Chapel where she participated in Bible study groups. She loved visiting others who had cancer and enjoyed gardening and her grandchildren.

She married Chris A. Brower, June 30, 1992, in LaGrange. He survives.

Also surviving are one son, Christopher M. (Cynthia) Hochstetler, Howe; two daughters, Dawn M. (Mike) Brown, LaGrange, and Angela F. (Robert) Brown, Goshen; three stepsons, Keith A. Brower, Fort Wayne, Kevin A. (Connie) Brower, LaGrange, and Ken A. (Mary) Brower, North Webster; 12 grandchildren; six sisters, Elizabeth (John) Denkhaus, Cape Coral, Fla., Mattie (Vernon) Chupp, Vallonia, Edna (Edwin) Miller, Goshen, Wilma (Jonas) Yoder, Goshen, Mary (Larry) Jones, Shipshewana, and Katie (Mose) Miller, Shipshewana; and three brothers, Melvin (Mary) Bontrager, Mio, Mich., Josey (Judy) Bontrager, Shipshewana, and Uriah (Reenie) Bontrager, Indianapolis.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

The funeral service will take place at Maple City Chapel, Goshen, Friday at 10 a.m. The Revs. Mel Shetler and Gary Miller of Maple City Chapel will conduct the service.

Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorials may be made to Maple City Chapel for Barbara’s extended medical care.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to yoderculpfuneralhome.com.