Barbara Ann Copeland Ferris

Barbara Ann Copeland Ferris 87, of Greensburg, passed away June 8, 2017. She was born in Rock Island, Ill. May 30, 1930, to Ross & Nellie Copeland. Though born in the midwest, she grew up in Seattle, Washington, where she graduated from high school in 1948. When she moved with her family to Greensburg, she met and married Robert A. Ferris on March 1st, 1951. Together they resided on Bob’s family farm south of Greensburg in Decatur County, where they raised four children. From the beginning, they shared a deep faith. Christ was the center of their home as they strived to pass the rich heritage of grace, hope and love given them, along to all those who knew them. In her early years, Barbara developed a love for music. As an accomplished pianist, organist, and flutist, she shared her talent by serving as choir director, pianist, and organist at Mt. Aerie Baptist Church for 25 years and later with various musical ensembles including the handbell choir at First Baptist Church in Greensburg. Also from her youth in Seattle, Barbara had a deep affinity for the outdoors. Specifically hiking and skiing in the Cascade Mountains surrounding the city. Upon moving to Indiana, as many Hoosiers do, she learned to love growing things. Her vegetable and flower gardening were done on a grand scale, also being a 4-H Club Leader for many years. She was a loyal fan of Peyton Manning, Purdue Boilermakers and was often on the sidelines cheering her grandchildren on, whatever their pursuits. Barbara was passionate about politics, never hesitating to make her voice heard on relevant issues of the day. She served in various leadership roles as an active member of First Baptist Church, school, and other philanthropic organizations over the years, including President of local chapters of PTA, Indiana Baptist Women and Psi Oita Xi. She was employed by Delta Faucet in Purchasing, for 17 years, retiring in 1992. Barbara is survived by husband Robert Ferris, Children; Virginia Mulroney (Robert) Sardinia, Dwight Ferris (Madelyn) Muncie, Scott Ferris (Donna) Harrodsburg, KY., Beth Horton (Stephen) Lebanon, Grandchildren; Ben Mulroney (Tamara), David Mulroney (Julia van Arragon), Lane DeMeulenaere (Michael), Keegan Ferris, Gabe Ferris (Kayla), Emily Brown (Gary), Hannah Horton, Laura Horton, Caleb Horton, Brothers; Dean Copeland (Joan), James Copeland, Sister; Marilyn Kauzlarich. In addition, 10 Great-Grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Ross and Nellie Copeland, Grandson Michael Mulroney, Brother-in-law Tony Kauzlarich, Sister-in-law June Copeland. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, June 12th, 2017 at Gilliland Howe Funeral Home in Greensburg. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 also at Gilliland Howe, with Rev. Cliff Bunch officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship, Gideons International, or American Heart Association. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.gilliland-howe.com