Barbara J. Smith

Barbara J. Smith 92, passed away Saturday January 6, 2018 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon. She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Carl D. and Sarah Katheryn (Clift) Patterson and had two brothers and one sister-in-law, Carl D. (Janie) Patterson Jr, and Richard Scott Patterson who are all deceased. Barbara was a 1943 graduate of Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and a 1947 graduate of her beloved Butler University. While at Butler she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, a Color Guard with the marching band, and was very active in school and social activities, winning many Queen Contests and serving as secretary of her 1947 graduating class. She married the love of her life, Golden (Greg) A. Smith Jr., on June 15, 1947. He passed away in November 1983. Barbara worked for H.R. Block and Eli Lilly and Company during her college years and then in banking and finance in California when she moved with her husband, Greg, to Oakland as he finished his naval career after WWII. Barbara and Greg moved back to Indiana in 1950 so that he could begin his career in radio. They resided in Indianapolis from 1951 to 1969 and she elected at that time to stay home and raise their three children. In December of 1969, Barbara and Greg moved their family to Lebanon, Indiana so that Greg could accept a position with the local radio station WNON. Shortly after, Barbara also joined the staff and held many positions such as News Director, Reporter, and office staff. Perhaps what Barbara was most famous for in her radio career was being one of the first talk show hosts on radio with her "Coffee with Barb" show that was held in Cowan's Cupboard on the square in Lebanon. After the radio station changed hands, Barbara went to work for the City of Lebanon serving as secretary to the Building Inspector for four years while her best friend Ann Garoffolo-Goar was Mayor. At the end of Ann's term in office, Barbara then went to work for the Boone County Sheriff's Office, serving five different Sheriffs, as receptionist and clerical assistant. She retired from the BCSO at the age of 88 in 2013. Barbara belonged to many local, county, and state organizations, serving as a Board of Directors Member or officer during her lifetime. A few of the organizations she belonged to were: Tri Delta Indianapolis Chapter, Lebanon Zonta Club, Witham Hospital, Boone County Senior Services, Lebanon Boys and Girls Club, Boone County ARC, Love Inc., Lebanon Women's Business and Professional Club, the Elks Club, and the Boone County Republican Party of which she was Boone County Vice Chairman, a Precinct Committeeman and State Delegate. She belonged to Centenary United Methodist Church and was very active there as well. Barbara is survived by her three children, Kathy Smith Coddington of Lebanon, Greg (Nita) Smith of Indianapolis, and Steve (Stephanie) Smith of Lebanon. She was blessed to have seven grandchildren, Chris (Angie) Coddington, Andrew (Amber) Smith, Ben Smith, Richie (Stacy) Smith, Shawn (Jamiann) Smith, Logann Marker, and Madelyn Smith. Barbara also had eleven great grandchildren, Coty Edwards (Brooke Hensell), Corey Edwards, Katlyn Coddington, Kayleigh Edwards, Matthew Coddington, Breena Smith, Kenzie Smith, Hudson Smith, Harper Smith, Hollyn Smith and Henley Smith. Plus she was blessed with her first great great granddaughter Hadleigh Edwards this past year. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Friday, January 12, 2018 at 12:00 p.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church, 910 Fordice Road, in Lebanon, Indiana, with Rev. Anthony Stone, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon on Friday at the church in Lebanon.Burial of Ashes will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, at a later date.Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory in Lebanon have been entrusted with her care. Memorials may be directed to Centenary United Methodist Church in Lebanon.

Barbara J. Smith

October 31, 1925 - January 6, 2018