Barbara J. Brower

Barbara J. Brower, 56, of Topeka, died Monday evening, May 12, 2008, at her home.  She had been ill the past five years. She was born in LaGrange, Indiana, on February 25, 1952, to Joseph and Saloma (Christner) Bontrager.  She married Chris A. Brower in LaGrange on June 30, 1992.  He survives. A lifelong resident of LaGrange County, she was co-owner of Brower’s footware in Topeka for 14 years.  She attended Maple City Chapel where she participated in Bible study groups.  She enjoyed gardening, her grandchildren and visiting others who had cancer. She is survived by her husband, Chris; a son, Christopher M. (Cynthia) Hochstetler of Howe; two daughters, Dawn M. (Mike) Brown of LaGrange and Angela F. (Robert) Brown of Goshen; three stepsons, Keith A. Brower of Fort Wayne, Kevin A. (Connie) Brower of LaGrange, and Ken A. (Mary) Brower of North Webster; 12 grandchildren; six sisters, Elizabeth (John) Denkhaus of Cape Coral, Florida, Mattie (Vernon) Chupp of Vallonia, Indiana, Edna (Edwin) Miller and Wilma (Jonas) Yoder, both of Goshen, Mary (Larry) Jones and Katie (Mose) Miller, both of Shipshewana; and three brothers, Melvin (Mary) Bontrager of Mio, Michigan, Josey (Judy) Bontrager of Shipshewana, and Uriah (Reenie) Bontrager of Indianapolis. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 15 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 16, 2008, funeral service will be conducted at Maple City Chapel, Goshen with Rev. Mel Shetler and Rev. Gary Miller officiating. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Maple City Chapel for Barbara’s extended medical care.