Date of Death: May 11, 2026
Service Details
Barb wanted to have friends and family join in a positive reflection of her life and legacy, and so you are welcome to join a Celebration at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Camp Eberhart in Dave’s Pavilion on the Lakefront.
Obituary Notice
Mrs. Barbara Kay (nee: Votrie) Bendure, age 83, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully Monday, May 11, 2026 at her home on Corey Lake surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 2, 1942 in Huntington, IN, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Beulah (Meyers) Votrie.
Barb attended schools in the Indiana area where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from Purdue University. Her Home Economics training fostered interests in entertaining, insightful wit, cooking, decorating and artistic talent.
On February 6, 1965 she married the love of her life, Dr. Raymond Lee Bendure, in Huntington, IN.
Ray and Barb eventually found their forever home in Three Rivers, on Corey Lake, in 1998 after having moved internationally and cross-country many times during their life together. Barb loved living on Corey Lake where she was a member of the Corey Lake Association as well as a founding member and a Queen Mother of the Ladies of the Lakes Chapter of the Red Hat Society. Barb loved to teach children and was very active as a substitute teacher; she touched many young lives through her role as president of multiple P.T.A. groups.
Barb’s main love was family, not only being a beloved wife, but also a wonderful mother. Her greatest joy came when her grandchildren arrived. Barb was not only a teacher, a comforter, and a beacon of wisdom to all her family, she relished caring and being an ever-present voice in all of her family’s life.
As the great-great-great-granddaughter of Three Rivers’ first resident, Jacob McInterfer, she developed a keen interest in genealogy and the St. Joseph County Historical Society.
In her later years, Barb loved to work in her garden. A Master Gardener, she made their home on Corey Lake always a thing of beauty, as well as a haven for her many beloved Butterflies which she truly enjoyed. She also helped beautify the gardens at Three Rivers Health, initiating the Atrium Angels volunteers.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother-in-law, Dennis Michnal.
Barbara leaves to cherish her loving memory, beloved husband Raymond Lee Bendure; two sons, Richard Allen (Natalie) Bendure, and Ronald William (Karyn) Bendure; her beloved grandchildren Riley, Royce, Rett, Ristin, Rya, and Rayne Bendure. One very special sister, Nancy Sue and her daughter, Laurie (Jason) Peck.
Additional Information
Donations in Barb’s memory may be made to Beacon Three Rivers Hospital Hospice.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Ray we are sending our condolences to you and your family.
Barbara was a loving, loyal, and kind friend.
She was so proud of her family.
We enjoyed mutual hobbies when she and Ray lived in California.
We stayed in touch and would always say
“I miss you” at the end of our conversations.
I will miss her. We’re sending our love and
Support to Ray and her family.
Brian and Lorraine Rennie
Ray,
I was so sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. She was always so joyful and a wonderful addition to my recruitment efforts for Three Rivers Health.
Oh my Ray, our deepest condolences. We will always treasure our time with you and Barb on our many Hospital Board adventures. A amazing person who made our life better when we spent time with her. Our memories will always bring a smile to our faces. Love to you and your beautiful family. Diana and Everett.
Ray and family,
I’m sad to read of Barbara’s passing. She was a warm, caring and wonderful lady. May your many memories become your ray of hope in your grief.
Ray I’m so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. My heart breaks for you and your family. I remember many years ago being invited to your home for lunch. She was a wonderful hostess and a warm and beautiful person. I shall miss seeing her smile.
It was a great honor to have met Barbara, a beautiful soul inside and out. We first met when she took the Master Gardener classes in St Joseph County, and as was the case with many others, the friendship developed and grew. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel.
Rest in splendor, Barbara.
Your friend, Linda Towles
Barb was a very special lady with one of her many gifts being a generous hostess along with Ray. I remember being invited to their dining room table as she entertained her Garden Angels with thanksgiving for our help in the hospital gardens.
Condolences to Ray and Barbara’s family. Barb was always a pleasure to run into. She was a Classy lady and am sorry to see her passing.