Barbara "Babs" Burke

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara "Babs" Burke, who left this world peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on November 8, 1939, in South Rockwood, Michigan, Babs was a devoted wife, caring mother, loving grandmother, and a cherished sister and aunt. She embraced life with a warm spirit that touched everyone around her.

Babs was married to her beloved husband, Doyle "Bud" Burke, and together they shared a beautiful life of 51 years filled with laughter and love. She adored her daughters, Courtney (Sean) Burke, Celeste Burke, and Nina (Bob) Rzepnicki, who brought her endless joy. Nothing made Babs happier than the time spent with her grandchildren, Gavin, Sophia, and Mallory, who were the light of her life.

Babs was known for her vivacious personality and adventurous spirit. She found great pleasure in visiting the casino and playing slots, where her laughter and love for life shone through. Her greatest treasure was her family, and she cherished every moment spent making memories with them.

Babs also leaves behind her beloved sister, Louella, her sister-in-law, Nancy (Gary), and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will all miss her deeply. Her legacy continues in the hearts of those who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Clara Neubecker, as well as siblings Don, Tom, Bill, Jerry, Tony, and Mary Ann, along with sisters-in-law Jeannette and Shirley, all of whom she cherished and remembered fondly.

The family invites all who knew and loved Babs to join them for a viewing at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton, Michigan, on September 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass celebrating her life starting at 10:00 AM.

As we celebrate Babs’s incredible spirit and the joy she brought to so many, we hold tightly to our memories of her and the love she shared. May her soul find peace, and may we remember her always with fondness and gratitude.