Barbara Jane (Riffle) Smudzinski

Barbara Jane Smudzinski

July 25, 1947 - May 20, 2018

Barbara Jane Smudzinski, 70 years old, residing in South Bend, passed away early Sunday morning, May 20, 2018.  She was born July 25, 1947 at the old St. Joseph Hospital, South Bend, to the late John Henry & Dessie B. (Ames) Riffle, and has remained a lifelong resident of the area.

On December 17, 1966 in South Bend Barbara was united in marriage to Arthur E. Smudzinski, the love of her life.  They enjoyed 50 years of marriage until his passing on April 2, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a baby sister, Diana Lynn Riffle,  and her parents, John Riffle and Dessie Riffle Kidnocker.

Barb worked as a Program Counselor for Logan Center.  She is survived by her half sister, Janell, step sisters, Susie (Brad) Barnard, and Carol (Mackie) Toth, both of South Bend; and brothers, John Henry (MaryJo)Riffle of Macy, IN; and Dennis Riffle of South Bend, special friends, Charlie and Patti, and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, along with a great-great nephew, and many cousins.

Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend.  Graveside services and burial will follow at Sumption Prairie Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be offered to Faith Mission, 801 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516, or to Heart-to-Heart Hospice, 620 West Edison Road, Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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