Theresa L. Klingensmith, 40, a woman of many titles: wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, peacefully went to be with her Lord at her home on Sunday, December 5, 2021.
Born in South Bend, Indiana on December 10, 1980, Theresa was the daughter of Danny and Doris (Gardner) Barden. She graduated from LaVille High School with the class of 1999. Theresa went on to gain certification in coding and billing and as a service dog trainer for Northern Indiana Service Dogs.
Theresa and Michael were married on May 26, 2001, at Pine Creek Church of the Brethren. They were blessed with two daughters, Rebecca and Makayla.
She worked as a laborer in the food industry, was an Herbalife Representative and a service dog trainer for Northern Indiana Service Dogs as well as serving as a Board Member. She was involved in the Marshall County 4-H as a 10-year member and got her two girls involved as well growing up.
Theresa gave with all her heart, put others before herself and accepted people as they were. She was an amazing Wife, Mom and Grandma, and a huge “mother figure” to many young girls whose lives were greatly changed by Theresa always being there for them. She taught her family compassion for helping others and helped grow the love of training service dogs in her daughters.
She loved beyond measure, spending time with her granddaughter Remi. Theresa was a great cook and loved being with family. She adored her dogs and loved all animals. She has trained 8 service dogs who have gone on to help many people have the chance to live independently or be able to battle through their anxiety, PTSD, or other health conditions. All due to her great care, dedication, and time she gave training each dog.
Theresa is deeply missed by her husband, Michael, and daughters, Rebecca and Makayla, and granddaughter, Remington Klingensmith, all of Walkerton; her parents, Danny and Doris Barden of LaPaz; her sister, Nicole (Jeremy) Cox of Plymouth and their children: Addison, Alyssia, Ashlynn and Andrew; her brother, Adam (Hannah) Barden of Lakeville and their children: James, Daniel, Abigail, Noah, Micah and Rebekah; her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Gardner; and mother and father-in-law, John and Deborah Klingensmith of Walkerton.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Keith Gardner, and paternal grandparents, Robert and Viola Barden.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 13, 2021, from 3-7 p.m. at Cornerstone Community Fellowship, 1375 Maple Road, LaPaz. Funeral services will immediately follow in the church at 7 p.m. with Pastor Steve Cox officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to two groups she was passionate about: Northern Indiana Service Dogs, 1913 F. North Michigan Street PMB 190, Plymouth, IN 46563 or MUSH Rescue http://mushrescue.com/
Michelle Brannam says
Theresa was always such a bright light in this world. She was willing to help anyone, any time, no matter what. One of the things I will always remember about her is the fact that she was the only adult I have met who actually knew what The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles was, and she had read it. She gave us space in her home so my family could adjust when I got out of the military. She was such an amazing person, and this world will forever have an empty space in it with her passing. However, I know, without any doubt, that her soul is with Jesus and she is watching over every single one of us. God bless her family and friends as they grieve, and allow them to rejoice in the memories they have of her! Amen 🙏
Heather Maeding says
Theresa trained my son, Luke’s, dog Kismet Rey. She came last October when he received Kismet Rey in PA. Her training helped give Luke a life changing blessing and Kismet Rey has helped him through his second transplant recovery, multiple hospitalizations (where she also made other children and the nurses’ days brighter), and helps keep him safe alerting him to low blood sugars and helping him with PTSD symptoms. We are forever grateful for the role Theresa played in Kismet Rey’s training. We always loved to read her comments on Luke’s FB page and we could tell how much she loved Kismet Rey (and I’m sure the other dogs she trained as well).
Kevin Zhao says
Dear Mike,
I am sorry for the sudden loss. She was a wonderful person. She helped so many people’s life to make them live better. May she Rest In Peace. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.
Your sincerely,
Kevin Zhao
Tim Richmond Family says
So sorry about the passing of a very nice lady. Condolences from our family to yours. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Wayne & Carol Hostetler says
Dan, Doris, and Family
We’re sorry but we really never have words that seem adequate for situations such as this. We can’t begin to imagine the pain and sense of loss you’re feeling. Time will dull the pain but the loss will always be there. We’re very sorry for your loss.
Wayne & Carol
Carole Miller says
Dear Doris, Dan, Mike and family,
Please know that we are thinking of you.
Though we never met Theresa in person, we heard many great things about her.
We appreciated her willingness to help out in our business in anyway that she could. She became a talented lamp shade maker under her mother Doris’s training.
We heard many stories from Doris about her loving family over the years. We can only begin to understand the sadness that all of you are experiencing. Your unwavering faith will carry all of you through these difficult days and the ones to come. May the memories of the many happy moments you shared together keep you strong and moving forward.
With love, Carole and Stuart Miller