Judith Cathryn (Gaul) Barnett, 76, of Bloomington passed away on December 14, 2020 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Known to all who loved her as Judy, she was born on September 12, 1944 in Dubuque, Iowa and she was raised in Evansville.
She attended Benjamin Bosse High School, becoming lifelong friends with a group of girls, still known today as the “Fruity Five.” At Indiana University Bloomington, she met David Barnett of Hammond, and their lively social life with IU friends stretched from college to adulthood to retirement. Judy earned her bachelor’s degree from the IU School of Education in 1966, and completed a master’s degree in 1987.
In 1967, David and Judy were married in Evansville, and then raised their family in Warsaw. As a teacher, both in profession and temperament, Judy taught reading for 19 years at Sacred Heart School. She instilled a lifelong love of a good book in her daughters, students…and pretty much everyone she ever met. Her indomitable spirit, passion for education, love for family, friends, IU basketball and a good laugh left an indelible mark on many lives. Judy and David retired in 2005, returning to Bloomington, the home of their alma mater.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, David Barnett of Bloomington, daughters Pam Berke (Drew) of Centennial, Colorado and Emily Hodges (Doyle) of Alexandria, Virginia, grandchildren Kirby Berke and Cora Berke, brothers Joe Gaul (Audrey) of Collierville, Tennessee and Jeff Gaul (Jenny) of Evansville, and her beloved dog, Barney. She was preceded in death by her parents Cathryn (Young) Gaul and Laverne “Ed” Gaul, MD.
Judy’s family owes a debt of gratitude to Gentry Park Senior Living in Bloomington. Gentry’s staff cared for Judy over the past three years with compassion and loving grace.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at Alexander East Chapel. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 10:45 a.m. at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA.
Memorial contributions may be made to “Judy Barnett Memorial” c/o Sacred Heart School, Attn: Laura, 125 N Harrison St, Warsaw, Indiana 46580.
