Barbara Lee Rucker Burlew, 88, of Hope

Barbara Lee Rucker Burlew, 88, of Hope, passed away on Feb. 21, 2020 at Keepsake Village of Columbus.

She was born on December 12, 1931, in Vevay, Indiana to Stanley and Amanda Johnson Rucker. She married the love of her life, Elza Carl Burlew on January 1, 1949 in Vevay, Indiana. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary, and have resided together in Hope for the past 68 years.

Barbara was devoted to her family, friends, and her faith. She was a member of Hope Baptist Church for 57 years and was currently a member of Parkside Baptist Church for the last 10 years. She was a Life Member of the Hope Eastern Star.

She received her cosmetology license in 1968, and owned and operated Barbie’s Beauty Salon in Hope for over 40 years. She adored each one of her patrons and truly loved doing hair until her retirement in 2011.

Barbara was known for her homemade yeast rolls, egg noodles, fried chicken, and desserts, especially her famous peanut brittle. She loved cooking for others and hosting people at her house for meals. She also loved sewing blankets for family, or donating them to the Children’s Hospital. She enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables, and birds. She always enjoyed watching birds at her numerous bird feeders and bird baths, as well as collecting bird figurines. Her favorites were the cardinal and hummingbird.

She is survived by her adoring and devoted husband of 71 years; son, Terry (Linda) Burlew of Columbus; daughter, Lee Ann (Steve) Vorndran of Columbus; grandchildren, Erica Vorndran, Courtney Grace, Sarah Treesh, Mandie Conlin, Grace Stearman, Alaina Vorndran-Hatfield, Alex Vorndran Henry, and Matthew Vorndran; 20 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Betty Rucker and Ruth Rucker.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carla Mae Pacheco Flescher; siblings, Leonard and Lula Mae Rucker, Cora and Kenneth Brown, Lewis Rucker, Bernice and Johnny Wright, and Eugene Rucker.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Parkside Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Parkside Baptist Church, Keepsake Village of Columbus, or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.