Nov. 25, 1931 - Feb. 13, 2013

ELKHART - Barbara Lau, 81,of Elkhart, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 13, 2013, at Hubbard Hill Retirement Center.

She was born Nov. 25, 1931, in Farnam, Neb., to J. Arthur and Ethel M. (Gugelman) Johnson.

She married Robert W. Lau in Elkhart on Nov. 5, 1955.

She is survived by three sons, Robert D. (Pat) Lau of Fort Wayne and Brian D. (Joan) Lau and Bradley D. Lau, both of Elkhart; a daughter-in-law, Casey Lau of Elkhart; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, June (Eugene) Williamson of Elkhart; and three brothers, Kenneth (Alice) Johnson of Three Rivers, Mich., Gerald (Betty) Johnson of Elkhart and Ronald Johnson of Goshen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a son, Bruce A. Lau.

Mrs. Lau was a 1949 Elkhart High School graduate. She received her nursing degree from Augustana School of Nursing, Chicago. She retired from Goshen General Hospital in 1992.

After retirement they spent many years traveling the country before making Florida their home, before returning to Elkhart. She attended Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Haines City, Fla., and Trinity Lutheran Church, Goshen, and Augustana Lutheran Church, Elkhart, locally.

Barbara was a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed dining out with friends, reading and golfing.

Friends may call three hours prior to the 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, memorial service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Steve Reshan of Augustana Lutheran Church, Elkhart, will officiate.

Burial of her remains will be at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be directed to National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sue Pappas, Lake Alfred, FL Sadly missed by residents of Cypress Green. My prayers are with all of the family.

Sandy Gordon, Elkhart, , IN My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as you go through yet another loss at this time. Barb fought a tough battle this past year or so, but kept her faith so strongly. Barb will be missed by many who knew and loved her. I am so sorry I will be unable to convey my condolences in person. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Sandy Gordon, Elkhart, , IN My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as you go through yet another loss at this time. Barb fought a tough battle this past year or so, but kept her faith so strongly. Barb will be missed by many who knew and loved her. I am so sorry I will be unable to convey my condolences in person. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Sandy Gordon, Elkhart, , IN My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as you go through yet another loss at this time. Barb fought a tough battle this past year or so, but kept her faith so strongly. Barb will be missed by many who knew and loved her. I am so sorry I will be unable to convey my condolences in person. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Sandy Gordon, Elkhart, , IN My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as you go through yet another loss at this time. Barb fought a tough battle this past year or so, but kept her faith so strongly. Barb will be missed by many who knew and loved her. I am so sorry I will be unable to convey my condolences in person. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Deb Zentz-Robeck, Goshen, IN My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Fond memories of you in our neighborhood growing up.

Lisa Scheetz, Elkhart, IN Casey and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of loss.

Esty Hershberger, Goshen, IN Casey, My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family as you grieve for Barbara & celebrate her life. May God's love sustain you.