Obituary of Barbara Jean Hutchins

Barbara Hutchins, 82, of Dowagiac, passed away at her home on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 with her family by her side. On March 29, 1931 Barbara was born to the late Burton and Louetta (Hall) Lane in Vincennes, Indiana. After graduating from high school Barbara wed Elliott Hutchins at a ceremony in Vincennes on December 14, 1974. Barbara was a dedicated homemaker and an amazing mother. She loved spending time with the love of her life, Elliott, in their garden. She was an avid canner and routinely canned over 100 quarts of tomatoes and tomato juice every season. Where ever Barbara went her faithful companion Honey was always by her side, especially if it involved watching Highway to Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Elliott "Rusty" H. Hutchins Jr. and siblings Cleo, Kurt, Frances, Henrietta, May and Meredith. Barbara will be deeply missed by her husband of 40 years, Elliott; dog Honey; children Daniel Finke of Orlando, Florida, Stephen (Debbie) Finke of Greenwood, Indiana, Terry Finke of Orlando and Ann Kobit of Grand Rapids, Michigan; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and brother Alexander (Betty) Lane of Vincennes. The family will be hosting a memorial service on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Dowagiac First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Barbara may do so to the Dowagiac First United Methodist Church at 326 North Lowe Street, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.