Barbara Aletha May Vlasek

Barbara “Barb” Aletha Mae Vlasek was born on February 22, 1956 and passed on November 3, 2025. Barb was born to Barbara Pearl (Vlasek) Hockenberry and John Robert Hockenberry in Cleveland, Ohio. Later, she was taken in by the Brittenham Family.

Barb's journey started extremely rough. She was given up for adoption shortly after being born. She bounced around different foster care and children homes for most of her youth. Eventually Barb’s journey led her to Fort Wayne where she attended Northside High School and some years in college. Her journey then led her to work for the State Developmental Center (State School) for 18 years and the League for the Blind and Disabled for 7 years. In this time, she served with the Air Force in 1985. After having her son she was involved in Boy Scouts for 15 years where she earned the Wood Badge, the Princess award, United Methodist award and many other awards. After recommitting to her faith, Barb became a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Later in life, to keep her mind and body busy, she joined The Disorderly Bear Den that hosts the Komets Teddy Bear Toss and participated in Fort for Fitness and the Senior Games.

In 1990 she had her only son, Damien Rogers, with his father Forrest ‘Fiti’ Rogers. She impressed upon Damien the importance of education. Barb was always helping people. No matter how little she had, she always gave to those who needed it. She was driven, caring and loved her son.

She leaves to cherish her memory son, Damien A. Rogers; brothers, Donald Hockenberry, Steve Brittenham and Jim Bischoff; sisters, Kathy Brittenham, Joyce Bischoff, Carol D. Town and Barbaretta Lemon.

She was preceded in death by parents, Barbara and John Hockenberry; brothers, Mark R. Hockenberry and David Brittenham; sister, Angle Brittenham; aunt, Virginia M. Sherman; uncle, Kenneth E. Vlasek.

A memorial visitation will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 2417 Getz Road, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804, on November 15, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at 11:00 am.