June 18, 1932 – January 22, 2020
Barbara E. Hutchens, 87, Spencer, Ind., formerly of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday morning, January 22, 2020 at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Born June 18, 1932 in Boxley, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Arnold Johnson and Artie Mae (Christy) Bailey.
Barbara enjoyed a lot of activities that seem to be falling by the wayside: Crocheting, sewing, and making blankets and quilts, to name a few. She also enjoyed gardening, making lots of delicious meals using what she harvested, and then canning what was left. The one activity she enjoyed the most was getting to share these activities with her children and grandchildren.
Barbara grew up in a large family and was always quick to point out to that she was the 13th of 15 children in her family. You grew what you ate and ate what you grew. Hand-me-downs were common and learning to sew was how you made them last. As for blankets, quilts, mittens, hats, etc., well, those are wintertime necessities. However, with that many children in the family, making your own was how you got them. Continuing these practices with her family, Barbara was able to teach them skills that they would appreciate later in life, as well as give them wonderful memories (such as her famous strawberry and rhubarb pie) that they can enjoy forever.
Barbara lived for her family. In addition to her four children, she raised two of her grandchildren, Janet and Jewel, from a young age, as if they were her own. In addition, she had five more grandchildren and played an equally important role in their lives. She loved being a grandmother, but when the first great-grandchild was born, not to mention the great-great-grandchildren, her excitement reached a whole new level. She was so proud of the fact that she had 16 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and one that is still just a bun in the oven, and never missed an opportunity to tell you about them.
Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Sue Nichols (Darrell), Fillmore, Ind., and Donna Jo Pickett (Steve), Spencer, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Janet Lynn Snow (Mark), Jewel Anne Grimes (James), Charity Ann Rhea, Susan Rae Bayless, Charles Robert Roach, Micah Alan Pickett and Daniel Joel Pickett; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and by her three remaining sisters, Lavina Cummings (sibling #12) of Arizona, Mildred Price (sibling #14) of Arizona, and Elizabeth Sample (sibling #15) of Sheridan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, John R. Hutchens; daughter, Pamela Hutchens-Wallace; six brothers, Lloyd, Jerrold, Floyd, Guy, Joe and Ferrell Bailey; five sisters, Rena Wallace, Wilma Bangle, Hollis Weaver, Rosamond Richards and Mary Huffer; and by the love of her life, her husband Robert M. Hutchens, on February 24, 1997. She and Robert were married on July 18, 1948.
Services were held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation prior to the time of service. Burial followed at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Elder Paul Fruth officiated.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com