Barbara Jane Lake, 82, of Camden, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at IU Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, following a brief illness.
She was born in Lafayette Nov. 25, 1940, to the late Wayne and Florence Smith Cope. Barb was a 1959 graduate of Delphi High School. Her marriage was Dec. 31, 1959, at Delphi, to Larry L. Lake. He preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 2000. Barb had worked at Essex, then later worked part time at Wilson's Gamble Store in Camden. She retired from Salin Bank, where she worked in data entry.
Barb loved her family. She hosted many Sunday dinners and holiday get togethers over the years and enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones. Barb was quiet to most, but had a great sense of humor that she shared with those closest to her.
She enjoyed traveling, riding horses and exploring different state and national parks with her sister, Sue. She always looked forward to their adventures, whether it was a cross country trip to visit new places, or a drive along the Wabash to look for eagles. Barb loved to be outdoors. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, raking leaves and tending to her flowers. She also enjoyed feeding and watching all the many birds around her house.
She was passionate about animals. Whether it was the hummingbirds in her garden, deer and bears in the Smokey Mountains or stray cats in her neighborhood, animals brought her so much joy. She especially loved the many pets she cared for during her lifetime. They held a special place in her heart.
Surviving are three sons, Terry (Nikki) Lake of Logansport, Randy (Tonya) Lake of rural Delphi and Marty (Susan) Lake of Wyatt, Indiana; grandchildren, Brianna Gramm of Logansport, Casen and Kailee Lake at home in Logansport, Brittany (Carey) Reef of Lebanon, Keltie (Drew) Palmer of Maple City, Michigan and Kari (Taylor) Gorrell of Anchorage, Alaska, and Madison Lake of Wyatt, Indiana; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Sue Cope of Camden. Barb was preceded in death by her brothers, Jim and Rick.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at Cree Funeral Home, Camden, with Pastor Ed Selvidge officiating. Friends may call from noon until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Camden Cemetery.