Onda Jane Barber, 73, Marion, passed away at 7:27 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Wednesday, July 2, 1952, to Demoise and Betty (Ford) Thomas. On August 18, 1972, she married Jack E. Barber.
Onda graduated from Marion High School and was a QMA at Miller’s Merry Manor. For 11 years, she devoted herself to being a homemaker and faithful horseman’s wife, creating a life centered around love, family, and caring for others. A devoted church attendee, her faith guided the selfless way she lived each day. She especially treasured her role as “Nay Nay” to her grandchildren, a title she wore with pride and endless love. She was an avid Elvis fan, enjoyed relaxing with westerns on television, and found joy in life’s simple moments. Extremely humble by nature, she always put others before herself and will be remembered for her gentle heart, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.
Survivors include her daughters, Malissa (Justin) Bennett of Gas City, Amber (Scott) Rice of Huntington; grandchildren, Courtney (Ryan ) Millspaugh, Natalia Guillermo, Olivia Bennett, Mason Bennett, Dakota Richards, Brayden Rice, Jacob Bennett, Alivia Hollinger, Gabrielle Bennett, Petty Officer Second Class – Brody Bennett; great grandchildren, Ryan Millspaugh, Jr., Rory Millspaugh, Eleanor Millspaugh; siblings, Dwight Thomas of TX, Bill (Terri) Eskeridge of Marion; Susan (Danny) Milner of Marion, Greg Eskeridge of OK; bonus daughter, Leann Thomas of Marion; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Barber, Jr.; parents, Demoise May Thomas and Betty Ann Eskeridge; brother, Mark (Maria) Thomas; sister, Mona Thomas; and lifelong friend, Madeline Pavey.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Onda Jane Barber, please visit our floral store.