Barbara Irene Mathews, 97, Columbia City, died at 4:18 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at Storypoint West, Fort Wayne.

He was born March 23, 1928, in Hammond. On April 22, 1950, she married William Leroy “Bill” Mathews, who preceded her in death in 2024.

She is survived by children, Betsy (Michael) Brown, Monroe, Wis., Eddie (Theresa) Mathews, Columbia City, and Bonnie Baird, Horseshoe Bend, Ark.; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, is handling arrangements.