Barbara Blink, age 76 of Valparaiso passed away Friday, January 9, 2026. She was born on July 9, 1949, in Rensselaer, Indiana to the late Chester and Geraldine Lock. On August 2, 1970, she married Gene Raymond Blink in Cedar Lake. Barbara was a very strong and fiercely independent woman. She worked in food service at the Portage Schools, serving the children their lunches. She was a very caring individual who was committed to the children in her community, even paying for their lunches if their accounts were low. Her greatest joy was her family and her first great grandchild, Benjamin, was the apple of her eye.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Rose Luck; grandchildren, Micheal Luck, Emily Luck, Timothy Vaclavik, Ryan Vaclavik; 3 great grandchildren, Benjamin, Mikey, and Meleah Luck; brothers, David (Karen) Lock, Jack Lock; and many loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Geraldine Lock; her beloved husband, Gene Blink; her son, Lewis Windsor Blink; and her brother, Oscar Lock.

Visitation for Barbara will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. A funeral service will take place at 7:00 pm with cremation to follow. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.