May 31, 1926 – November 5, 2021
Barbara Gibson Elliott Scull, 95, Muncie, formerly of Carmel, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021. She was born on May 31, 1926 in the Old Home Hospital, Muncie, Ind., to W. Raymond and Blanche A. Merchant Gibson.
Barbara grew up on a farm in Delaware County, Ind., and was a graduate of Eaton High School. As both of her parents were very involved in music, she was expected to pursue a career in music as well. For more than 75 years, Barbara was a soloist, directed and sang in church choirs and remembered her first vocal solo was “Away in a Manger” in 1932. She was a great “church pew” sleeper while her parents sang in church events.
Following her high school graduation, Barbara obtained both her Bachelor of Arts and master’s in music from Ball State University, Muncie.
Barbara utilized her musical gifts abilities as she taught music for three years at Union City, Ohio, Eastside School and four years at Liberty School in Palestine, Ohio. In 1963, the family moved to Bedford, Ind., where Barbara taught for 15 years at Shawswick High School, two years at Rushville High School, as well as serving as a substitute teacher for three years in the Indianapolis school system.
Barbara returned to teach in the Bedford School system in 1983 and retired in 1989; however, she taught private voice and piano lessons for an additional 12 years before finally retiring in 2001. Barbara directed the musicals Bye Bye Birdie and Calamity Jane. She entered students in musical solo and ensemble contests in Indiana and Ohio. She trained girls quartets and boys quartets. The “Two & Toos” quartet traveled all over southern Indiana.
Some of Barbara’s memberships included Argonauts in Bloomington, Ind., as well as the IRTA, NLTA and life member of NEA. In addition to singing, Barbara enjoyed sewing, reading, traveling, and playing golf.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph M. Elliott; second husband, Wilfred E. Scull; stepmother, Hazel Lambert Gibson; and stepsister, Shirley Lambert Conner.
Survivors include her son, Lawrence Joseph Elliott of Champaign, Ill.; daughters, Beatrice Kay Elliott Conklin of Muncie and Cynthia Ann Elliott Kenworthy of Bedford, Ind.; six grandchildren, Jeff Conklin, Todd (Kim) Conklin, Kelley (Larry) Kemper, Teresa (Mike) Holler, Robin (Brooke) Elliott and Maegan Kiendzior; 11 great-grandchildren, Anna, Nash, Stanford, Kinnon (Tabbie), Kyler, Abby, Anna, Katie, Aiden, Kallyn, and Jackson; and two great-great-grandchildren, Deklin and Daxin.
Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Range Line Road, Carmel, where the Funeral Service will begin at noon.
A Committal Service will take place in Eaton Union Cemetery, 16301 N. State Road 3, Eaton, IN 47338.
In memory of Barbara, donations may be made to Carmel United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the service.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com