Barbara Jo Christy

Barbara Jo Christy, age 69 years of Berrien Springs, Michigan; mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister died peacefully at 10:25 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana following an extended illness.

She was born on February 26, 1954 in Berrien Center, Michigan to Robert E. and Edna M. (Bodtke) Zelmer, and was graduated from Berrien Springs High School.  She continued her education at the former Mishawaka campus of Davenport College, and began a career in the accounting offices of Campbell Ford in Niles, Michigan.  She had also been employed in the offices of Monroe Restoration in South Bend, Indiana, and has lived in this area all of her life.

Barbara enjoyed traveling, especially the vacations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee.  She was an avid reader of suspense and mystery, including the books by contemporary American author James Patterson.  She also enjoyed maintaining an attractive yard around her home, but her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving family includes her children, Matt (& Amanda Funk) Christy of Loveland, Colorado, Rebecca (& Julio Yeager) Newnum of Niles, and Justine (& Koty Casto) Turnbo of Niles; grandchildren Serenity (& Justin Cooper) Pellow, Memphis Cash Newnum, Thorin Yeager, Darian Yeager, Kirsten Christy, Aidan Christy, and Jaxson Christy; five great-grandchildren; Barbara’s brothers, Jim (& Cindy) Zelmer of Dowagiac, Michigan, John Zelmer of Berrien Springs, and Jerry (& Alice) Zelmer of Berrien Springs, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral for Barbara Christy will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with Chaplain Benjamin Wilson of Caring Circle Hospice officiating.  The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Barbara clearly enjoyed her life, traveling, reading, and yardwork; but more importantly, she loved the people in her life, especially her kids and grandkids.