BARBARA A.WARD, age 72, of LaPorte, formerly of Portage, passed away February 21, 2020.  She was born on February 19, 1948 to the late George and Eleanor Michaels. Barbara was a 1966 graduate of Portage High School and later in life retired from Midwest Products Company in Hobart.  In her free time she enjoyed shopping, loved a good visit, would help anybody and talk to everybody. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend.

She is survived by her daughter, Christine Ward of LaPorte; son, Andrew Ward of Portage; grandson, Dakota Ward of CO; niece, Lisa (Jimmy) Howard of GA; 2 great nephews, Christian and Raymond Mendilut; 2 fur babies, JJ and Spencer; special family and friends.

Barbara was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Douglas R. Michaels, Sr., Robert Michaels and Vern Khan; 3 sisters, Shirley Nelson, Patricia A. Jackson, and Marilyn Jean Michaels; nephew, Douglas Michaels, Jr.; great niece, Kayla Howard McCormick

Private family services were handled through Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel.