Barbara Ann Fort, 83, of Union Mills, passed away on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

 

Barbara was born in Campbell, MO, on May 10, 1940, to Norman "Clyde" and Katherine (Propes) Cooper.

 

She is survived by her husband, Russell W. Fort, Sr.; 3 children, Robyn (Dan) Grzelak of Union Mills, Russell "Rusty" Fort, Jr. of Union Mills, and Randy (Kineta) Fort, Sr. of Kingsford Heights; son-in-law, Del Wiltfong of Hanna; grandchildren, Michelle (Darryl) Wright of MI, Brandon Rice of Vallejo, CA, Ryan (Leah) Rice of Union Mills, Charles Rice of La Porte, Cody Grzelak of La Porte, Justin (Chelsea) Grzelak of Valparaiso, Briana Cox of Lawrence,  IN, Jessica Fort of Columbus, IN, Michaela (Cody) Fort Camp of Columbus, IN, Dawn Robinson of Chicago, IL, Vicki (Eddie) Jackson of Kingsford Heights, Krystal (Robert) Kuehl of Union Mills, Chad Allen of Tampa, FL, Austin (Kari) Ford of Mill Creek, and Randy (Jessica) Fort, Jr. of Plymouth; 20 great-grandchildren; 6 great, great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gary Cooper, Norman Cooper, and Ronnie Cooper; sister, Norma Campbell; and daughter, Renee Fort Wiltfong.

 

She retired from Rexam in 2006 after more than 30 years of service to the company. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as visiting with other family members. She loved doing word find puzzle books and reading. Barbara and Russell were married in, and spent all 65 years of their life together, attending the Assembly of God Church in Kingsford Heights.

 

Cremation will take place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte.

 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at the Assembly of God Church in Kingsford Heights with Pastor Dough Hawkins officiating.

 

Memorial contributions may be directed to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.