Barbara Jean Cordova , 60, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:50 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on January 5, 1965, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late James and Helen (Potoskie) Elliott.  Growing up in the Detroit area, she attended Hazel Park High School.

On March 6, 1982, she married Wayne Cordova.  They made their home in Ferndale, MI, raising seven children.  In 2000, they moved to Columbia City.

A full-time homemaker raising the kids, she occasionally worked in the retail industry.

She liked to crochet, sew, and spend time in her flower garden.  An accomplished cook, she is remembered for her meatloaf and her special Easter Bunny cake.  She enjoyed dancing with her husband and spending time with family.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Wayne; children, Wayne Cordova II, Antonio (Hannah) Cordova, Chrystal Cordova all of Columbia City, Melinda (Austin) Gorski of Fort Wayne, Virgil (Paige) Cordova, of Columbia City and Manuel Cordova of South Whitley; step-children, Maria Reed of Burton, MI, Stacy Ostrander of Davison, MI, 21 grandchildren; and a brother, Timothy Elliott.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Carlos Lorenzo Cordova.

Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, (August 3rd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with a funeral service at 6 p.m.

Memorials in Barbara's honor are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.