Obituary for Barbara Ellen Keener (Streitmatter)
Barbara Ellen (Streitmatter) Keener, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died midday surrounded by her family on August 21, 2023, and is now with the Lord. Barbara graduated from Woodruff High School, Peoria, Illinois, and earned her associate's degree from Fort Wayne Bible College. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans for family and friends, assembling puzzles, working out at Curves, and spending time with her husband, Kent. She enjoyed writing handwritten letters to loved ones. Barbara was a Red Hat Society member. Barbara was employed as an Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper and other support roles in her career. She also worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools. Barbara spent several years as primary caregiver to her children in the home. Barbara was an active church member over the course of her life and served alongside her husband, Kent, in a variety of ways. She invested her time with a church-plant in New Haven, IN, was a longtime member of the choir, mentor to young women, and served as chair of parachurch organization, Christian Women's Club. Barbara also hosted multiple youth evangelism gatherings, 5-day Club, at her home. Barbara is survived by Gretchen (and Dennis) Zimmerman, daughter; Hans (and Barbara) Keener, son; Thad (and Peggy) Keener, son; and Ryan (and Jennifer) Keener, son. She is also survived by her only sibling, sister, Dee Schneider of Morton, Illinois. Barbara was grandparent to nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all surviving: grandchildren Nathan (Tracy), Adrienne (Chris Urschel) and Reid (Ashlee) Zimmerman; Dauthan (Amanda) and Wyatt (Whitney) Keener; Rudy, Samuel and Phoebe Keener; and Noah Keener. Great great-grandchildren: Elliott, Gavin and Mya Zimmerman; Haven and Adalynn Urschel; Kenlee Zimmerman; and Harlow and Joelle Keener. Barbara was preceded in death by Kent V. Keener, her husband of 64 years; Delbert and Velma Streitmatter, her parents; and Dawthan Keener, her second-born child. Memorial services will be as follows: public viewing, visitation and the funeral service will be held at Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 2.30-5.30 pm on Sunday, August 27. There will be an additional hour of viewing on Monday, August 28, from 10-11 am. The funeral service follows immediately at 11 am. Arrangements and preparation are being directed by FairHaven Funeral Home of Fort Wayne. Barbara will be laid to rest at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Memorials may be made to Brookside Church or Heartland Hospice.