On April 12, Barb flew into the arms of her Lord and Saviour leaving behind the pains and concerns of this world. Never one known for her patience or planning skills, once she decided she was ready to go, she didn't linger. She was a woman of action, who was always on the go.
Beyond her commitment to her faith, she had many other passions. She loved her family and friends fiercely. She was an avid fan of the Indiana Hoosiers, the Columbus East Olympians, the Rockcreek Bulldogs, and any team that ever boasted a son, daughter or grandson on the roster. She was always the loudest fan in the stand and eager to assist coaches, referees or other officials when she saw the need.
Barb was brought into the world and first introduced to her Lord by her parents Letty and Bill Caldwell. She grew up with her brother Tom and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. Summers and weekends were spent fishing, collecting chicken eggs, climbing apple trees and playing cards.
Barb and her husband Steve started their life together in 1979. Life on the farm was never laid back. With Evan, Derek and Megan along for the ride, life with Barb was always an adventure. Her greatest gift to them was sharing her love of Christ and the blessings of a strong church family. Not much for school herself, Barb encouraged their kids to make the most of their education and later built her career around supporting kids and adults in their academic pursuits.
There was no greater joy in her life than time spent with her grandkids. She couldn't get enough of them. Reid, Trenton, Hudson, Isla, Jacob and Nathan filled her heart and her schedule which was built around their activities. Though Reid preceded her in death, she chose his 13th birthday as the day she left here to begin her celebration of eternal life.
Service arrangements are being coordinated by Myers-Reed Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 17 between 4-8 pm and on Thursday at 9 am immediately before her service which begins at 10 am. Burial will follow at Garland Brook.
When remembering her family and friends as they send her off in a celebration of her life, don't forget her dear pet companion, Smalls. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to McDowell Adult Education Center or Miss Polly's Music Class, LLC, a place Barb visited weekly to do music class with Isla. Both will be providing scholarships in memory of Barb.
