Barbara Gayle Willard, 90, Shelbyville

Barbara Gayle Willard, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at her home.

She was born January 1, 1935 in Shelbyville, the daughter of Harold and Lola (Buell) Ewick. On March 28, 1953, she married her husband of 71 years, James E. Willard, and he survives.

In addition to James, Barbara is survived by her daughters, Carol Fowler and husband, James, of Shelbyville, Sandra Smith of Shelbyville, Terri Miller and husband, Bill, of Indianapolis, and Connie Turner of Shelbyville; son, Bruce Willard and wife, Alicia, of Shelbyville; brothers, Richard Ewick and husband, Dan, of Jacksonville, Florida, and Harold Ewick Jr. and wife, Marsha, of Brownsburg; sisters, Dianna Bond of Shelbyville, and Jami Chew and husband, Mark, of Crawfordsville; grandchildren, Sally Fowler Perkins, Brian Fowler, Jamey Smith, Johnny Smith, Jason Smith, Gayle Lyster, Leslie Miller, Greg Turner, Jess Willard, Jeana Craft and Jacob Gahimer; 24 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Carl “Sonny” Ewick; and son-in-law, John Smith.

In 1953, Barbara graduated from Shelbyville High School.

She was a very active member of the West Street United Methodist Church, where she participated in the women’s groups.

Barbara was formerly a bookkeeper for the City of Shelbyville Sewage Utility Office and the Shelby County Welfare Department, retiring in 1978, to travel with James for his job.

She enjoyed helping people and volunteered her time by taking cancer victims to their treatments, as well as, helping feed the homeless.

Barbara was a Girl Scout leader from 1960 to 1963. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and a 34-year member of the Fernandina Beach Women’s Club, where she was President of the Greater Florida District Women’s Club.

She also enjoyed shark tooth hunting, working crossword, jigsaw and sudoku puzzles.

Barbara loved life and cherish creating wonderful memories with her family and friends. She also loved to go to Disney and enjoyed frequenting it, when people came to visit her and James in Florida.

Visitation was from 10 a.m. to Noon, Thursday, February 13 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Funeral services followed at Noon, Thursday, with Pastor Steve Brackney officiating.

Interment was at Fountaintown Cemetery in Fountaintown.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Street United Methodist Church, 629 S. West St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Barbara’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.