Mrs. Barbara Jean "Bobbie" Allen, age 64, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:24 a.m., surrounded by the love of her family and the quiet comfort of her own home. After a courageous and grace-filled battle with cancer, Bobbie's journey came to a close just as she had lived it—on her own terms, wrapped in the warmth of those she loved most.

Born on April 16, 1961, in Elkhart, she was the cherished daughter of the late Merle Walter Willard and Dorothy Eleanor (Sutterby) Willard Kane. Bobbie's childhood was also shaped by the love of her late stepfather, Louis Kane, whose guidance and steadiness she carried in her heart throughout her life. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Goldie Willard, whose memory she held close.

A proud graduate of LaVille High School, Class of 1979, Bobbie didn't waste time after graduation in starting the life she had always dreamed of. She married her sweetheart and soulmate, William C. "Willy" Allen, and together they built a life rich in devotion, humor, and shared dreams. Their love story spanned more than four and a half decades—46 beautiful years of marriage that weathered life's seasons hand in hand.

Bobbie's heart beat strongest for her family. She leaves behind her daughter, Angel Allen Wills and her husband Sgt. Benjamin "Ben" Wills in the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Bobbie was always immensely proud of Angel's strength and of Ben's service, and she delighted in her role as Mawmaw to her treasured grandsons, Anthony Tyler Wills and Liam Charles Wills. Their laughter was her music, and she adored every moment spent playing, gardening, and making memories with them. Little Liam was always thrilled to accompany Mamaw to the veggie garden so he could rearrange all of the dirt.

Also surviving are her dear sisters, Isabelle (Tom) Runyan and April Willard, both of Elkhart, who stood by her through every joy and challenge. And always faithfully by her side—often curled up on her lap—was her beloved little Yorkie, "Pretty Girl," who was as much a part of the family as any two-legged member.

Bobbie dedicated many of her working years to the RV industry, where she applied her sharp eye and steady hands as a painter and cabinet maker. She was known not just for her skill, but for the friendships she formed along the way. Later in life, as her health began to slow her down physically, her spirit only grew stronger. She found a sense of purpose and calling as a volunteer at S.P.A. (Spiritual and Personal Adjustments) Ministries, where she served as a tireless advocate and mentor for young women battling addiction. Her empathy, authenticity, and hard-earned wisdom made her a beacon of hope and healing for so many.

Her mentorship often went beyond words—Bobbie welcomed many of these women into her life like family, taking them on camping and kayaking adventures that became as healing as they were fun. Potato Creek and the Indiana Dunes were among her favorite escapes, especially when the family RV was involved. The outdoors was her sanctuary, and her generosity knew no bounds.

Bobbie was a joyful celebrator of life's simple pleasures—an avid gardener with a soft spot for watching birds and squirrels, a spirited NASCAR fan who cheered loudly for Jeff Gordon, and a faithful viewer of beloved shows like Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. She found spiritual nourishment in her time at That Church on the Rise, formerly Elkhart Church of God, and carried her faith with grace and quiet strength.

A woman of traditions both humble and heartfelt, Bobbie knew how to throw a celebration—especially when it came to birthdays. It became a much-loved family tradition to ring in her son-in-law Ben's birthday with a crab leg feast that could feed a small army, and no one left those gatherings without a full belly and a warm heart.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Bobbie's life, her impact, and her legacy will be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elkhart on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. The service will be officiated by the Reverend Mike Sommer of Jimtown Family Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions in Bobbie's honor may be made to The Legion Fund, which supports the 5th Special Forces Group stationed at Fort Campbell, KY—a cause dear to her heart because of her family's military connection.

Bobbie lived with grit, with grace, and with a boundless love for the people around her. She was a listener, a helper, a nurturer, and above all, someone who showed up. She will be remembered in the laughter of her grandsons, the strength of her daughter, the legacy of love she built with Willy, and in the countless lives she touched with her kindness and courage.

"As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessing of our common, everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness—just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breathe it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; a cool breeze when the day is warm…" — Laura Ingalls Wilder