Dakota Jasmine Barnes, 28, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025

Dakota was born in Mishawaka, IN on October 6, 1997 to Jerry Lee Hill Jr., and Rusty (Blake) Kelly.

Dakota is survived by her adored sons, Wyatt Allen Huff and Atreus Barnes; mother, Rusty (Jason) Kelly and father, Jerry "Jay" L. Hill Jr. (Amy); baby brother, Orion Hill; stepbrothers and stepsisters, JJ Kelly, Andrue (Nyah) Kelly, Mindee (Dex) Willis, Kaitlynne "Katy" (Jimmy) Miller and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dakota graduated from Jimtown High School in 2015. She most recently served as a manager at Culver's and Arby's, where she was a shining example of leadership—building strong teams and uplifting her coworkers to do their very best.

A devoted book lover, Dakota filled her bookshelves with literature. She had an appreciation for British films and scary movies.  She loved watching classic tv show  reruns, especially Law & Order and Grey's Anatomy. Dakota found joy in the beauty of tattoos and sunflowers. Her musical taste spanned many genres, with a particular fondness for classic rock.

Dakota had a smile that could light up a room and a hearty laugh that was contagious. She was a wonderful listener, carried a natural charisma, and was steadfast in her convictions. She was a hard worker and took great pride in supporting her young family.

Above all else, Dakota loved her "boys". She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Dakota will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514. Friends are encouraged to come and share their favorite story of Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be directed to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a local women's shelter, or any organization that helps with literacy, hearing and speech.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.