Barbara Merritt Coble

85, of Indianapolis, departed this life on Monday, April 28, 2025. Barbara was born November 6, 1939 in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles P. & Mary Katherine (Snyder) Evans. Barbara graduated from Wabash High School, then earned her education degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

While at IU registration, Barbara met the love of her life, Tom Coble, who was then a law student. Barbara skipped her college graduation to marry Tom on June 2, 1962 in Bedford, Indiana. After a Coney Island honeymoon, they moved to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, where Tom completed his stint in the army and Barbara taught 1st grade. Barb and Tom and their infant daughter Kathy then returned to Bloomington to complete Tom’s law degree. An entrepreneur and free-spirit at heart, Barbara started her own nursery school in an old house in Bloomington, stowing Kathy away in a playpen in the back of the room.

Barbara and Tom soon settled in Indianapolis and added two sons, Rob and Michael, to their family. Barbara devoted herself to her family, serving as “room mom” year after year, coaching softball, attending every sporting event in which her children participated, and planning amazing family vacations.

Barbara was always active and enjoyed working with her friends to support various organizations. She was a member of Jaynecees, serving as President for a year. She also served as President of the Pleasant Run Children’s Home Auxiliary, and volunteered at Children’s Bureau (now Firefly Children and Family Alliance). Finally, Barbara enjoyed substitute teaching and the many individuals she met while teaching illiterate adults to read.

Barbara loved a good party, and she and Tom entertained often. She was a MAFIA member (Middle Aged Folks In Action), and she had a truly amazing circle of friends who enjoyed book club, bridge club, and over 35 years of “girls only” Florida trips. She and Tom loved supporting IU Basketball and Football as season ticket holders, and their tailgating parties at Memorial Stadium were legendary. They also made fantastic friendships during their retirement years in Naples, FL. Barb loved her Naples friends, playing bridge, golfing, and enjoying sunset happy hours.

Athletic on many levels, Barb enjoyed playing golf, tennis and bowling with her friends. She was a member of St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church, Hillcrest Country Club, The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club and Collier’s Reserve Country Club in Naples.

Barb had nine grandchildren, and she had a very special relationship with each one of them. She never missed an opportunity to spoil them and support them in all of their endeavors. She was also an avid animal lover, spoiling her dogs nearly as much as she did her grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved son, Rob Coble, earlier this year. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Thomas C. Coble; loving children, Kathy (Rob) Dassow and Mike (Cecilia) Coble; beloved daughter-in-law, Sharon Coble; grandchildren, Reid, Jack & Ellie Dassow, Tom, Grace, Abigail & Lillian Coble and Capri & Crysta Coble; beloved sisters, Cherie Lang and Ginger Brown, wonderful brother-in-law Peter Gillis, and a host of dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Coble family gratefully acknowledge the care and support of Barbara’s special caregiver of the past eleven years, Denise Smith.

A Memorial Service for Barbara will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12th at St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church (8155 Oaklandon Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46236) followed by a reception at Hillcrest Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Barbara’s name to:

Firefly Children and Family Alliance (https://fireflyin.org/).

Online condolences available at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com