Katherine LaVerne Barnhart Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Katherine LaVerne Barnhart, 77 of Bluffton passed away at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Bluffton. Mrs. Barnhart was born Nov. 26, 1937 in Tapiola, Michigan to Signe and John Junttonen. She was raised in Houghton in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and was very proud to be a Yooper. She was a 1955 graduate of Houghton High School. She married David Frank Barnhart on June 18, 1960. Mrs. Barnhart held various positions in the secretarial field. They included Michigan Technological University and the Michigan State Highway Department. She also had an Associate Realtors license in Michigan. Locally, she was employed at Caylor Nickel Clinic and also was the Wells County Coordinator for the American Red Cross. Kathy enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, gardening, playing cards, dancing and watching football and basketball games. She was an avid Michigan fan. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bluffton. Survivors include her husband David Barnhart of Bluffton, Ind. , son Todd (Laura) Barnhart of Highland, Michigan, daughters Shari (Steve) Person of East Lansing, Michigan and Julie (David) Certain of New Port Richey, Florida; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren; brothers, Benjamin Junttonen of Newport, Michigan and James Junttonen of Houghton, Michigan; sisters, Evelyn Borchert (Charles) of Surprise, Arizona, Diane (Bill) Ewart of Crystal Lake, Illinois and sixteen nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Wesley Junttonen and Jack Junttonen and two sisters, Lynn Becklund and Julie Simons. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. (December 10, 2014) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Pastor Steve Bard will officiate. Calling hours will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – prior to the service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Memorials may be made to Family Life Care (Hospice) or Boys and Girl Club in Bluffton through the funeral home.

Katherine LaVerne Barnhart

November 26, 1937 - December 6, 2014