Barbara Tutterow Gaffney

Barb was born on November 16, 1938, in Loudon, Tennessee, the oldest of five children, to her late parents Gilbert and Juanita (Coffelt) Tutterow.

Barb’s parents moved to Hagerstown, Indiana in 1948, where Barb attended Hagerstown schools. She graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1957 and moved to Indianapolis in 1958, to work and attend school. She enrolled at Butler University to study accounting, then attended St. Mary of the Woods to study theology. She obtained a certificate in Youth Ministry from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Barb worked in several different places through her life, including General Finance, Gillman Shoes in downtown Indy on the Circle, and Mayflower Warehouse. One great accomplishment and source of pride for her and the family was the creation of Mi-Kel’s Neckwear (named for her children Michael and Kelley), a kiosk store in Glendale Mall, which the family owned from 1976-1983.

Her most recent and rewarding positions were at Bishop Chatard High School. Over 37 years, she held 5 different positions, including Assistant to the Principal, Religion Teacher; for which she received an “Outstanding Educator” award, Campus Minister, Attendance Officer and Receptionist. Working with teenagers was what she loved most. Barb retired in 2020, at the age of 81.

Barb loved to read as well as travel with her sisters to Tennessee - God’s Country, as she described it. Martha, I mean Barb, also loved hanging with her 4 BFF’s, Nancy Wathen, Ruth Roell, Joanie Leffler & Ellen Landers, who all worked together at Bishop Chatard High School.

Outside of her daily work, Barb was a devout Catholic who attended Christ the King Catholic Church regularly as long as she was able. She served there at various times as Youth Minister, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Teacher of Religious Education, and Bible Study Leader.

Barb is survived by her eldest child, Kelley Gaffney and youngest child, Michael Gaffney, her two sisters Debbie (John) Maples and Grace Bavender, many nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Juanita (Coffelt) Tutterow, husband of 49 years, George B. Gaffney, brothers Gilbert B. “Jim” (Cheri) Tutterrow and Charlie (Joanna) Tutterow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Bishop Chatard School Tuition Assistance Fund or to Christ the King Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com for the Gaffney family.