Tammy Renee Barcus

Tammy Renee Barcus, age 64, of Mishawaka, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026 at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House surrounded by her family. Tammy was born on June 27, 1962 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Charles and Rheda (Oblinger) Starkweather. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School class of 1980 and remained active with her classmates through the Mishawaka Alumni Association.

As a teenager, Tammy met James Barcus while singing with her Christian singing group, “We Together.” They were married on August 2, 1988, in Mishawaka and shared more than 37 years of love and happiness together.

She is survived by her husband, James Barcus; their sons, Sean Barcus and Brandon (Kristin) Barcus; and three granddaughters whom she adored, Olivia, Emily, and Hailey. She is also survived by her siblings, Rich (Rose) Starkweather, Melissa Morgan, and Krystal (Shawn) Wilson, as well as her beloved dog, Louie. Tammy was preceded in death by her parents and her dog, Cooky.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home. An additional hour of visitation will take place prior to the 11:30 am funeral service on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Cruz Family Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola. Pastor Larry Chrisman of Coalbush United Methodist Church will officiate.

Tammy was a stay at home mom and the steady presence who held the Barcus family together. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her family, especially her granddaughters. As a devoted military wife, she raised her sons while James served in the United States Navy, with stations including Guam, Texas, Great Lakes Naval Base, and Charleston, South Carolina.

In her spare time, Tammy enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. She was a fan of the show Big Brother and loved calling her son Sean to talk about each episode. She also enjoyed playing board games, fishing, and spending time on the water.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 or online through their secure link at Center for Hospice. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Tammy’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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