Barbara Jean Eldred, age 74, of Portage, passed away at Bronson Hospital on February 8, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

She was born on April 26, 1951, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Charlotte Clare and the late William Clare. In her younger years, Barb was a true child of the 1960s, once hitchhiking from New Jersey to California with friends. During one of her cross-country adventures, she met her husband, Bruce, in Michigan. They eventually settled in Chippewa Lake, where they raised their family together.

In 2007, Barb and Bruce left Michigan for warmer weather and made their home in the Tampa Bay area, where they enjoyed the sunshine and time spent at the beach. After Bruce’s passing in 2015, Barb returned to Michigan, settling in Portage to be closer to family.

Barb was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 40 years, Bruce Eldred, and her beloved pets—Marty, Joey, Lucky, and Tank.

She had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and worked for many years as a dog sitter. She also loved planting flowers each spring and had a true green thumb, as shown by her home filled with thriving plants. Barbara enjoyed time at the beach, collecting shells and just simply soaking in the sunshine.

In her later years, she worked at Dollar Tree, where she formed dear friendships, especially with Shelly Whipple. Barbara was strong-willed and determined, maintaining a positive spirit despite health struggles in her later years.

She is survived by her two daughters, Shawn (Craig) Boris and Beth (Matt) Sedor; four beloved grandchildren, Ella, Brennan, Ayden, and Max; extended family and friends; and her spunky chihuahua, Rat.