Barbara Jean Mace, 96, of Muncie, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, compassion and service.

Barbara was born Barbara Jean Rhoton on November 7, 1929, in Muncie, Indiana, to Claude and Katherine Rhoton, and she was preceded in death by her husband, Troy E. Mace. She graduated from Cowan High School in 1947 and, later in life, returned to school to pursue her calling in nursing, attending Ball State University and earning her nursing degree.

During an important chapter of her life, Barbara was married to Marvin Knight and embraced the life of a farmer’s wife. Those years were filled with hard work, long days and the many responsibilities of farm and family life. She devoted herself to creating a home and raising her family, and the strength, resilience and devotion to family that marked those years remained part of who she was throughout her life.

Caring for others came naturally to Barbara. She worked as a nurse at Ball Memorial Hospital and later became the school nurse at Sutton Elementary School, where she spent several years caring for generations of children. She was an exceptional nurse whose kindness, compassion and gentle spirit made her deeply loved by the children she cared for.

But the role Barbara treasured most was that of mother and the heart of her family. She was a devoted mother to Ron Knight and his wife, Julia; Kathy Chanson; Kristy Carothers and her husband, Bruce; Jennifer Phillips; and her stepsons, Kevin and Kenny Mace.

Barbara’s family continued to grow through generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Her family includes Mindy Wehmeier and her husband, Paul; Melissa McIntyre and her husband, Mark; Alan Knight and his wife, Lindsey; Jon Kunsman and his wife, Kelly; Danielle Andersen and her husband, Steve; and Sydney Phillips, along with great-grandchildren Connor, Reagan, Nolan, Adler, Oliver, Elias, Gabe, Katie, Daniel, Sam, Nate and Mak. She was also blessed with a great-great-grandchild, JoJo.

Barbara was a member of First Brethren Church in Muncie.

Barbara loved her family deeply, and her children were truly at the center of her world. Her devotion to them was unwavering. She found great joy in gathering her family together, caring for them and simply being present in their lives.

Barbara’s family will remember so many things about her, but perhaps most of all, they will remember the legacy she leaves behind. Her life can be seen in the generations that follow her—in their faith, their strength, their love for one another and the countless memories they will carry forward.

Her legacy will live on through every generation that was blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great-Great-Grandma and Kiki.

Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to ARF of Muncie.

The family is honoring their mom at a private graveside service.