July 5, 1931 – April 8, 2024
Wilda Ruth “Babe” Durbin, 92, passed away peacefully at her granddaughter’s home in Sheridan on Monday morning, April 8, 2024. Born July 5, 1931, in Hamilton County, she was the daughter of the late Bernard Paul “Ducky” Beam and Juanita Marguerite (Bess) Beam.
A 1949 graduate of Sheridan High School, Babe was raised in the Boxley community and attended Boxley United Methodist Church. She also worked for a number of years at Elliott Pharmacy, manning the cash register as well as the soda fountain.
Babe enjoyed watching old westerns and cheering for the Sheridan Blackhawks, but her favorite pastime was being with her family. Her life revolved around her grandchildren; whatever the activity, Babe was going to have a front-row seat. There wasn’t much that Babe wouldn’t do for her family or friends, but when it came to Euchre … she wasn’t going to take it easy on anyone. It didn’t matter who you were, experienced player or novice, young or old – Babe played to win.
She loved beautiful flowers and had great appreciation for a well-maintained yard. Babe was a bit picky about her own lawn maintenance. It needed to be a) done to her specifications, and b) by somebody who knew what they were doing. You don’t let just anybody mow the lawn.
Babe loved to have a good time. Her big smile and fun-loving personality are going to be missed by everybody who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Babe is survived by her two sons, Rick E. Durbin of Westfield and Terry L. Durbin of Sheridan; three grandchildren, Greg E. Durbin of Sheridan, Julie A. Durbin (Barb) of Sheridan, and Ashley N. Durbin (Vu Duong) of Zionsville; two great-grandchildren, Kendra L. Durbin and Luke F. Cook; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard Paul “Ducky” Beam and Juanita Marguerite (Bess) Beam; grandson, Michael Bradley Durbin; brother, Dennis Wayne “Sonny” Beam; two sisters, Judy Morris and Phyllis J. Baird (and husband Jack Baird); her Boston Terrier, Spike; and by her loving husband, Forest E. Durbin, on May 28, 2010. She and Forest were married on November 12, 1949.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Spencer Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Travis Pryor will be officiating.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com