Ms. Barbara Sue “Barb” Duffield, 82, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, at 10:05 a.m., following an extended illness. Though her journey here has ended, the stories, laughter, and love she leaves behind will continue rolling on—much like the highways she cherished so dearly.

Barb was born on March 30, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to the late Percy and Geraldine (Reed) McMannis. Life would eventually lead her down many roads, but one of her most treasured chapters began on March 31, 1990, when she married Dencil “Denny” Duffield in Charlotte, Michigan. Together, they shared 12 wonderful years filled with companionship, laughter, and miles of memories before his passing in 2002.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Judy S. Rose; her half-children, Duane and Anna Lamie; grandchildren, Nathan R. Miller and Tasha M. Friend; and her sister, Mary Lou Fickes. No doubt there was a joyful reunion waiting for her—one filled with warm embraces and, if we know Barb, a little laughter not far behind.

Barb leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Geraldine A. “Geri” Johnson, Kim Swoap, Linda A. Randolph, and Diana L. (Tony) Lamie-Bope, all of Elkhart; and her half-son, Richard Lamie-Stevens of Mishawaka. She was the proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of seventeen—each one a testament to a life rooted in family. She will also be deeply missed by her extended family, her neighbors, and the many friends who knew that time spent with Barb was time well spent.

Barb made her living as an independent truck driver, a path that perfectly suited her independent spirit. Of all her travels, the miles she shared co-driving with Denny were her favorite. Together, they saw the country not as a map, but as an unfolding story—one exit, one diner, one memory at a time. Her life carried the rhythm of the open road, reminiscent of an old trucking ballad, full of grit, humor, and heart. The road gave her peace, freedom, and a sense of purpose that stayed with her long after the engine was off.

At home, Barb was everything a mother should be and then some. Her daughters will tell you she covered all the “mom bases”—a steady source of comfort, a great listener, and someone who could turn even an ordinary day into something memorable. She kept a tidy home, a full kitchen, and a heart that was always open.

And yes, there was that one legendary moment involving a jug of Kool-Aid—thrown with what we can only assume was impressive accuracy. The details may be fuzzy, and the reason lost to time, but the story has lived on, becoming one of those family tales that gets better (and funnier) with every telling. For the record, we’re all just hoping it wasn’t cherry—it stains.

Barb had a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that could fill a room. In fact, it often did. One giggle from her could set off a chain reaction, turning quiet gatherings into full-blown laughter sessions. She had a gift for joy, and she shared it freely.

She also had a well-known fondness for professional wrestling—WWF/WWE—cheering, reacting, and enjoying it with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything in life. It was just one more example of how Barb embraced simple pleasures and made them her own.

In the kitchen, Barb was nothing short of legendary. Her fudge and biscuits & gravy were family favorites, requested often and remembered fondly. You didn’t just eat at Barb’s table—you experienced it. It was a place of comfort, conversation, and second helpings.

When she wasn’t on the road or in the kitchen, Barb loved spending time at her campground near Howe, Indiana. There, she found another kind of peace—sitting by the fire, cooking outdoors, and soaking in time with her family. Those quiet, simple moments meant the world to her.

To her daughters, she wasn’t just a mom—she was the best person in the world. And to anyone who knew her, that sentiment is easy to understand.

In accordance with Barb’s wishes, visitation will be held at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elkhart on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 12:00 noon, with services to follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Jeremy Sarber. She will be laid to rest at California Road Church Cemetery.

As we say goodbye, we can almost picture Barb heading down one more open highway—windows down, laughter in the air, and the road stretching endlessly ahead.