August 31, 2022 at 4:22 p.m.
Barbara E. Clary, 86, Hope
Barbara was born 15, Mar 1936 at Jackson County Hospital in Seymour, Indiana.
She is survived by daughters Karla Whitley (Dale), Deniece Storms, and Larry Clary (Kasandra) and 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard L Barnett and Lois L Barnett, brother Eugene R. Bob Barnett, and son, Lonnie L Clary.
Barbara grew up in Sparksville, Indiana and graduated from Medora High School. During HS, she worked at her parents’ general store in Sparksville, Indiana. After High School, she worked as a telephone operator at Indiana Bell Telephone in Indianapolis, IN
She was married to James Carl Clary Col Ret: in Jan. 1956 and he preceded her in death in 2012. They had 4 children and traveled and lived at various USAF bases during their marriage. During that time, Barbara was a home maker and managed rental properties.
After returning to Indiana, to be near her parents, Barbara was married to Donald Baker until 1979
Barbara began working again in 1977 as part of the Security force at Cummins Engine Company, Inc. and later transferred into manufacturing where she was a member of the Diesel Workers Union until her retirement around 1995
Barbara was always looking for an adventure and made sure her kids took part in her passions, from flying, to gold panning, mushroom hunting, white water rafting, shooting, taking care of livestock, and exploring. There was a running joke that one of Barb’s shortcuts required a full tank of gas and an extra hour to reach civilization.
She also taught her kids self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic. Looking for a great opportunity and seizing it was her signature. From working at the Gold Nugget pawn shop, to running the beach house at Schafer Lake, to mowing grass at Fort Ben Harrison, she did whatever it took to take care of her family.
After retirement, she suffered a cerebral aneurysm and became disabled. She continued to live with her sons and continued to enjoy traveling and adventure until Lonnie’s death in 2015 when she moved into Millers Merry Manor long term care facility in Hope.
Barbara’s funeral will be Friday at noon at Norman Funeral Home in Hope with pastor Andy Kilps officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to service time. Burial will follow at West Newton Cemetery in Indianapolis.
