Barbara Jean Hartke, 79, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010 at Cass County Medical Care Facility, Cassopolis.

She was born June 17, 1931 in Henderson, Kentucky to Johnny and Waxie (Mays) Ward. She married Leonard R. Hartke, Sr. on Aug. 22, 1981 in Dowagiac. He survives. She was preceded in death by one son, Lloyd “Butch” Merrill; one brother, Gordon Ward; and two granddaughters, Jamie and Deloris.

Barbara was a homemaker who previously worked for Jessup Door Company, Dowagiac.

She was a member of the College of Regents of the Women of the Moose, Dowagiac.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Leonard R. Hartke, Sr. of Cassopolis; two daughters, Jacqueline Smith and Janice Clark, both of Cassopolis; three sons, John Merrill of Australia, Leonard Hartke, Jr. of Gun Barrell City, Texas, and David (Yolanda) Hartke of Dallas, Texas; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Joyce Ward of Henderson, Texas.

Family and friends gathered Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010 at Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. The funeral was at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 1, 2010 at the funeral home. Interment followed in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #933, 54867 M-51 North, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be sent c/o connellychapel@frontier.com