Bear Barton

Bear Barton, the beautiful, sweet Jack Russell-Pekingese mix boy of Sandy Barton, passed over the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Muncie, Indiana. 

Bear became a part of a loving family after he was adopted into the Barton family by Sandy’s daughter and granddaughter when he was about two and a half years old. At the age of three he became Sandy Barton’s fur baby. He was named Bear when she adopted him and felt the name suited him, so she decided not to change it. 

According to Sandy, Bear loved staying in her room and “shared breakfast and anything else I ate."

Bear was a gentle, loving soul. Sandy described Bear’s personality as "ornery at times. Bear would sit on his butt and sit up and cross his paws—so cute. He knew how to get to your heart.”

What Sandy felt Bear valued in life was “to love and be loved.”

What Sandy loved about Bear was how he was always waiting for us to get home and greeting us. We have cats and dogs,, and he adjusted to all of them in one way or another.”

Bear was not a fan of bath time, but according to Sandy, he liked to strut around after he had his bath.

Sandy shared, “He was an escape artist that loved to visit two doors down usually. One time my son and I were in the truck going down the street, and he just jumped out while we were moving. He didn't get hurt but scared us all.” 

Bear would compete with his German Shepherd sibling Allis to see who was the boss. 

Bear loved going on car rides with his family. He especially looked forward to the trips that included his delicious pup cup treats. 

Bear brought so much happiness to the Barton home, and the family is heartbroken by the loss of their beloved Bear. His gentle and sweet personality will forever be missed but never forgotten.

In addition to Sandy, mourning the loss of Bear are his human siblings, Dylan Barton and Melissa Westfall; Dena; Adri; and his dog and cat fur siblings. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Bear Barton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bear Barton, please visit our floral store.