Mary Ellen Barbee, 84, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away in the early evening hours of August 21, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne.

Born on January 11, 1941, in Bloomington, Illinois, Mary Ellen was a treasured daughter of Frank A. & Dorothy Young Barbee.  Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Carol and Donna, and a brother Jerry.  She graduated with her class in 1959 from Mulberry High School now known as Clinton Prairie High School.  Mary later went to Borgess School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she earned the distinction as Licensed Practical Nurse.

Nurse Mary initiated her nursing career in Monticello.  She specialized in caring for geriatric patients at area hospitals and long-term care facilities.

To relax Mary enjoyed reading, especially Amish stories and mysteries.  In her earlier years she was an avid gardener planting beautiful flowers annually to enhance the landscape of her home.  Her most treasured title was Grandma when her trio of grandchildren were born.  She was always there for them attending all school activities, concerts and she never missed any of their sporting activities, being present as their number one cheerleader.

Left to cherish Mary's memory are her children: Rita Ann Robertson (James) of Forrest, Michael Bennett (Jill) of Argos; 3 grandchildren: Korbin Bennett, Collyn Bennett (Maggie), Gavin Bennett; 2 great-grandchildren: Banks Calvin Bennett and Harvey Ann Bennett;  a sister Carol A. Bennett (Robert) of Avon; a sister-in-law, Judy Barbee; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceding her in death are her parents;  a son Brian Bennett in 1982; a sister Donna Barbee; and a brother Jerry Barbee.

A Nightingale Memorial Service performed by the Nursing Honor Guard of Midwestern Indiana, Winamac will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. The family will receive friends an hour prior to her services, beginning at 10:00 AM.  A family celebration of life will follow immediately at the funeral home.  Online expressions of sympathy may be made to Mary's family at www.goodfamilyfh.com