Barbara J. Lancaster, 79, of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 10:40 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City, Ind., after being transported from Miller’s Merry Manor where she had been a resident since 2011.

She was born Jan. 30, 1935, in Culver, Ind., to Michael and Thelma (Rose) Bernhard. She began her education in Culver. The family then moved to Laud and later to South Whitley. She attended South Whitley High School. At age 39, she received her GED. In 1959, she was united in marriage to Daniel Holler. They made their home in Pierceton., Ind. Mr. Holler preceded her in death. On March 10, 1962, she wed Merritt ‘Curly’ Lancaster. They made their home in South Whitley. He preceded her in death.

She began her work career at the former Blue Bell, Columbia City, Ind., for about a year and later Whitley Products in Pierceton for about a year before becoming a full-time homemaker. She also ran several home-based businesses including Rawleigh Products, ceiling fan sales and producing seasonal wreaths and artificial floral arrangements. As a young woman, she liked to participate in the Powder Puff races at the Warsaw and New Paris speedways. She took great joy in caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of United Methodist Church of South Whitley.

She is survived by her children: Randy (Patricia) Holler, South Whitley; Pamela (Mark) Bradley, Honor, Mich.; Brett (Angela) Holler, Milford, Mich.; a step-daughter: Patricia (Kam) Michael, Liberty Mills, Ind.; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son: Mikel Lancaster; a brother: Robert Bernhard; and grandson: Ryan Bradley.

Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the funeral home with Pastor Christopher Stallman officiating. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County or the Arthritis Foundation.