Barbara Ann Pendell, 87, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at her home following an unexpected illness on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30 am.

She was born Sept. 13, 1930 in Toledo, OH to the late Robert F. and Alta L. (Cook) Batchman and went on to marry Larry S. Pendell on Dec. 28, 1959 in Elkhart. He survives at home after nearly 59 beautiful years together.

Surviving are children Bobbi Ann Pendell, Larilynn (David) Longley, Shawn Marie Green, S. Deed (Julie) Pendell, Jay Vivian Pendell and Brandon (Dinah) Pendell; 18 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons. She is preceded in death by brothers Owen and Robert, Jr.

Bishop Richard Sessions and the Congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints 2nd Ward, at 3415 Pleasant Plain Ave., Elkhart, is honored to host Barbara's life celebration on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 1:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 11 am there. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting with arrangements and burial will follow services at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

Barbara handled the chaos and din of her big family like she had been doing it forever. She went the extra mile chaperoning field trips, judging at debate meets, baking treats for classroom parties, and, in general making sure that everyone was where they needed to be, including band practice, 4-H, swim meets, dog shows, play practice and a myriad of other commitments that kept her in constant motion. And then there were the animals. So many pets, chickens, ducks, the occasional largemouth bass in the bathtub and the horse in the back yard who begged for dog biscuits by ringing the doorbell with his lip.

She was a fabulous cook, played the piano beautifully and loved to garden. She was highly intelligent, had a quick wit, a keen sense of humor and a gifted ability to mother. From her children to her children's friends to baby birds that had fallen from the nest, she had an amazing ability to comfort, offer aid, and make it all better.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints Humanitarian Fund, at www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services.