Barbara J. Ely

Barbara Jean Ely, 84, of Fort Wayne was born October 12, 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to her parents, Robert W. Seibert and Rosanna N. (Atkins) Seibert. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Barbara attended James H. Smart Elementary School, Fort Wayne where she met her childhood sweetheart whom would later become her husband, Eugene Franklin Ely. Barbara “Barb” and Eugene “Gene” both attended Southside High School, Fort Wayne. Barb and Gene enjoyed traveling. They went on many camping trips with their children. Barb and Gene visited many places in the United States, but Barb’s favorite place to visit was Michigan. Barb would love to snuggle up in a sleeping bag on a chase lounge by the campfire on a cold Michigan night. Barb was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Wayne where she was baptized. Barb played hand bells in the church’s hand bell choir, the “Baptist Belles.” Barb also sang in the church’s vocal choir. Barb is survived by her sister, Linda (Eugene) James, her children, David Ely, Dennis Ely (Michelle), and Dyana Ely. Barb is also survived by her grandchildren, Derrick, Paul, Kandice, Michelle, Samantha, Olivia, and Jacob, plus nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Robert “Bob” Seibert, her mother, Rosanna “Posey” Seibert, her husband, Gene Ely, her brother, John “Jack” Seibert, and her daughter, Debra (Ely) Freeman. Please celebrate her life in your thoughts and prayers. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with a gathering of family and friend one hour prior. Inurnment will be at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.