Barbara Jean Orr, 84, Columbia City, passed away peacefully at her home at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018.

She was born Aug. 31, 1933, in Columbia City a daughter of the late Ward H. and Elsie M. (Heintzelman) Nelson.  Her formative years were spent in Columbia City where she graduated from Columbia City High School.

On June 25, 1968, she was united in marriage to William Orr. They have always made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Orr died in May of 1980.

She began her work career with Magnavox, Fort Wayne, which later became North American Philips. She retired in 1993 with more than 32 years of service.

She enjoyed playing euchre and bowling in the local leagues. She was a past president of Women of the Moose and VFW 5582 auxiliary. She was a member of, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles 1906 and American Legion Post 98 auxiliary.

She is survived by her six children: Philip (Veronica) Litherland, Columbia City, Charles W. Litherland, Florida, Violet J. Boylan, Columbia City, Lynn Orr, Columbia City, Carol S. (Kevin) Mills, Columbia City and Sharon A. (Blair) Markle of Kentucky; 12 grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann Orr, a brother, Phillip Dean Nelson and a granddaughter, Hilary Richards.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be at the Wolf Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County or Oak Grove Church of God.