Barbara J. Gardner

Barbara Jo Gardner

Age 66 of Portage passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 2,1959, in Gary, Indiana to Richard O’Donnell and Carol (nee Holden) Dopiriak. She was a selfless and loving woman whose life revolved around her family and the people she cared for. Her grandchildren were her life, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent with them, loving them fiercely and unconditionally. A devoted animal lover, she had a gentle soul and a compassionate heart for all creatures great and small. She was a dedicated testing administrator at Current Technology, where she was known for reliability, professionalism, and strong work ethics. She took pride in her work and the relationships she built there with her testers.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, watching cooking shows on TV, tending to her garden, and planning new adventures. Traveling brought her happiness, especially the many trips she shared with her beloved husband, creating memories that will forever be cherished. Goofy, fun-loving, and full of personality, she could light up any room. She was not only a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, but also her mother’s best friend, sharing a bond built on love, loyalty and deep understanding.

Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and selfless nature will live on through the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing and loving her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wally Gardner; daughter, Skyanne (Levon) Ensign- Nesbitt; two sons, Christoper Triber and Bobby (Joanie) Gardner; mother, Carol (John) Dopiriak; sister Debra “Deb” (John) Gutierrez; four grandchildren, Neiamiah, Isaiah, Alexis and Austin; great grandchild, Olivia; brothers-in-law, Jim Hayden and Damien Paz numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard O’Donnell and two sisters, Cathy Paz and Kim Hayden.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368. A memorial visitation will also be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm until the time of service also at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel. For more information please call (219) 762-3013 or online condolences can be shared at www.reesfuneralhomes.com