Barbara F. Thornton (nee Mow), age 92 of Portage passed away with family by her side on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. She was born on August 16, 1932, to the late Robert and Katherine Mow. On September 20, 1986, she married the love of her life, Ben Thornton, in Merrillville, Indiana.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ben Thornton, sister Beverly Thompson, children, Robert (Kathy) McGuire, Donald (Dana) McGuire, Ronald (Susan) McGuire, Cindi Kaminski, Jeffrey Thornton, and Brian Thornton, 8 grandchildren,18 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild due in January and beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Katherine Mow, stepmother, Dorothy; sister, Roberta Mow; and grandsons, Timothy Scott McGuire and Brian Thornton.

Barbara held many jobs in the service industry and enjoyed interacting with people. Over the years, she made many good and lifetime friends. She was a loving mother, always concerned for her children's well-being. Barbara was an excellent homemaker and loved to cook for her family. No one left Barb's home hungry. Barb loved music and played the piano, often singing with her sister, Beverly, with whom she shared a special bond.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dune's Hospice for their kind and compassionate care for Barb.

Memorial visitation for Barb will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com