Barbara Osborne

On Sunday, October 17th, our dear mother, Barbara Jane Osborne, ended her earthly journey peacefully with her three daughters by her side. It is comforting for us to know that her next journey will be reuniting with her beloved husband of 68 years, Richard, her “Ozzie”. She was born April 3, 1929, to Rachon and Albrecht Barth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her family moved from there to Ohio where she graduated from Wittenberg University. In 1963, with three daughters in tow, Barbara and Ozzie began their adventure in Indianapolis and Butler University.

Our stalwart mother will be remembered in many ways. Our parents enriched our lives with music. She taught voice at Butler University for 28 years and sang as a soloist at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation for 25 years. We have joyous memories of her singing in musical productions in Springfield, Ohio. She also sang opera with the Indianapolis Symphony. For 16 years, while our father played the organ, our mother directed the choir and sang solos in our family church, Memorial United Methodist.

She was also a natural conversationalist; engaging people, asking them about themselves, and making them feel valued. Our mother did not intend to be a great woman; but how she lived her life, simple and true, she was.

Barbara is survived by her three loving daughters, Jennifer Osborne, Carol Moore (Mark), and Marilyn Byers (Gordon) as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Ashenfelter. We want to mention our parents’ dear friends, Steve Roberson and Kent Grumbles who provided a cherished friendship throughout the years.

There will be a private graveside ceremony at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery as we lay her to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Richard and Barbara Osborne Fund, University Advancement Office, Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, 46208.

For condolences please visit: www.leppertmortuary.com.