W. Barbara Cloud

W. Barbara (DeBoni) Swartzell Cloud, 99, entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Hubbard Hill Estates, Elkhart, IN 46517. She was born on September 29, 1921 in Holland, MI to Jacob and Marie Agatha (Thar) DeBoni.

Barb is survived by her children, Judith “Judy” (Larry) Miller, Shirley (Terry) Chomer, Charles “Chuck” Swartzell and Quinetta “Que” (Mike) Morelli, 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, spouses Richard Swartzell and Russell Cloud, daughter Rebecca “Becky” Wirt and son-in-law John Wirt, grandchildren Aric Swartzell and Julie Hluchota, sister Theresa DeBoni, and brothers Lawrence “Matt” DeBoni and James “Jim” DeBoni.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St, Bristol, IN 46507 with visitation prior from 10:30am-12:00pm.  Social distancing and face masks are required.  A private graveside service will take place at St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery in Elkhart at a later time.  Memorial donations may be made to Hubbard Hill Estates “Santa’s Chimney” Fund (a Christmas Bonus program for the caring staff) or St. Mary’s Church.

Barb did not know a stranger; once met, you were a friend or even an ‘adopted child’.   There was always enough room at her table and plenty of food, regardless of the crowd, planned or not.  She hosted many family reunions and gatherings where she loved connecting with her cousins, siblings, in-laws and their families. She loved to play Rummikub and taught many of her grandchildren so they could play with her.  She was also an avid collector of angels and clowns (just ask her grandkids!).

Barb attended St. Vincent’s School and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1940.  Her parents started DeBoni’s Bakery and Swiss Kitchen as a family endeavor; she managed the Swiss Kitchen in her younger years.  She later worked at Miles Laboratories for 23 years where she met and enjoyed many friends. On her work breaks, she learned to knit and made countless slippers, baby bibs and afghans for friends and family.   You would often see her on her paddleboat at the lake (sometimes while knitting), or riding her bike, both of which she did until age 92.  

Barb moved to Hubbard Hill Estates where she met many new friends and reconnected with old friends.  Her room became a gathering spot, “the party place”, where others came to play Rummikub and watch Lawrence Welk, all clapping and moving their feet along with the music.

The family would like to thank the Hubbard Hill Assisted Living and HealthCare nurses and staff, and her very special care-taker, Lettie Edwards, for the loving care they provided.

Arrangements are being handled by Billings Funeral Home.

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