Barbara A. Ast (nee Cesare), age 74 of Hobart passed away December 13, 2022.  She was born on August 23, 1948 in Gary, Indiana to the late Tony and Elizabeth Cesare. On December 18, 1969 in Hobart, she married Siegfried Ast. She was a member of the Hobart Eagles and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. She loved her job as a Bus Matron for River Forest School Corporation where she was able to help students with special needs. Her greatest joy was her family and she will always be remembered for her cooking.

She is survived by her sons, Victor (Ali) Ast of Virginia, Steven (Angela) Ast of DeMotte, Erik (Heather) Ast of North Carolina; daughter, Christina (Hank) Smith of Lake Station; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers, John Cesare, Michael (Janet) Cesare; sisters, Elizabeth (Butch) Loving, Antoinette (Rick) Kirk; many loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Elizabeth Cesare; her beloved husband of 48 years, Siegfried Ast; and sister-in-law, Kathy Cesare.

Visitation for Barbara will take place Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, December 19, 2022 at 10:00 am at Assumption BVM Church, 3530 Illinois Street, Hobart with prayers starting at the funeral home at 9:30 am. Cremation will follow services. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .