Barbara S Whitney

Barbara was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 22, 1936 to Louis and Greta (Wallington) Smith and graduated from Shortridge High School in 1954. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from DePauw University in 1958. Just after graduation, she married, Frank Whitney, the love of her life and her high-school sweetheart. Known to her family and friends as the bright light, Barbara sparkled with positivity, love and the best sense of humor. Her smile and laughter was infectious! She was truly the center of our immediate and extended family, guiding us with laughter and love. She was our rock. Barbara always put others before herself and shared untold hours giving to others. Here love of reading was shared with all of us. She cared for her parents, in-laws, brother, and close friends as they grew older, in addition to raising her own growing family. Put simply, Barbara spent each day making the people around her happy. Barbara started her career as a beloved kindergarten, first grade & Special Ed teacher which spanned more than 15 years in Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN and then in White Plains, New York. When she retired from teaching, she found a new passion when she joined as a volunteer at the Junior League (Scarsdale, NY) but later enjoyed a career as a key employee for the Association of Junior Leagues International in New York City. Barbara exemplified the League’s mission by being a catalyst for lasting community change. In this role she solidified many new friendships and was able to travel to further the League’s mission and values. They raised their family in White Plains, New York before moving back to the Midwest in 1988 to be closer to family. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed a great game of golf, a sporty game of tennis, and always a few laps in the pool, in addition to spending countless hours doting on her husband, children and grandchildren. She was the light and laughter of every friend and family get together. She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal in Anderson, IN. Her faith was extremely important to her and she was involved in the church her entire life. Barbara is survived by her husband of 62 years, Frank Whitney, her three sons, Mark Whitney, David Whitney, John Whitney and her only daughter, Mary (Ken) Huth. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Tyler Huth, William Huth, Emily Whitney, Clare Whitney, Ashlea (Tito)Pichardo, Chelsea Whitney and Danny Whitney; Nieces Anne(Mike) Crowe, Diana Rowles; Nephews Cameron (Bia) Smith, Steve (Judy) Rowles, Mike (Maureen) Rowles, and her grand nieces, grand nephews and great grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Smith, her Mother Greta (Wallington) Smith, and father Louis E Smith. A private graveside service will take place at the Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson for the family. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Home, Fort Wayne or the Alzheimer’s Association.