Barbara L. Ward

Barbara L. Ward, 85, of Spiceland, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Community Hospital East in Indianapolis with her daughters at her side. She was born May 12, 1938 in Henry County, the daughter of the late Francis and Ruby (Hayes) Anderson.

A 1956 graduate of Spiceland High School, she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Education from Ball State University. She taught for 6 years at Knightstown High School, and then taught for 23 years at Tri Jr.-Sr. High School.

Music was her passion, and she served as pianist and choir director at Spiceland Friends Church where she was a member. For many years, she sang with The Friendly Persuasion with Kathy Painter and Pat Bogue, making two albums. She served as an officer for many years on the Spiceland Alumni Board, and also served on the Board of Directors for the Henry County Community Foundation. She was active in the Order of Eastern Star.

Barbara enjoyed over 50 years of spring break vacations with her beloved friends and family at Fort Myers Beach. She and Roger extended their winter time in retirement years and Barbara adored being the director of the Kookie Band at Bayside Estates.

Friendly, extremely outgoing, and social, Barbara loved her friends and her family, especially her grandsons. She delighted in their musical abilities.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Suzanne (Jeff) Stiller of Greenfield, and Mindy (Steve) Rose of Middleton, WI; grandsons, Mitchell Stiller and Wesley Stiller, and Griffin and Garrett Rose; nieces, Kecia (J.R.) Adams and Jody(Darin) Reichart; nephews, Rick(Jody) Anderson and Scott (Susan) Lightfoot and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.In her last few years, Barbara had wonderful care from the staff of Woodland Terrace in New Palestine. Her family is forever grateful to caregivers Shelly Willard and Jenny Thorpe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Ward; a brother, Ronnie Anderson; in laws, Kay and Ron Lightfoot.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2024 at Spiceland Friends Meeting with Pastors David Brock and Eric Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Henry County Community Foundation Tri High School Fund or the Spiceland Friends Meeting. You may share condolences and memories of Barbara at www.hinsey-brown.com .