Barbara Ellen Barrett

Barbara Ellen Barrett, 83 of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025 in The Forum at the Crossing Retirement Community. She was born July 13, 1942 in Goshen, Indiana the daughter of the late Robert E. & Aline (Bailey) Jones. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1960. As a student at Indiana University, she was active in the YMCA and Student Foundation.

Barbara was an only child, and always wished for siblings. That wish was finally fulfilled, when in 1961, she made what she always considered to be one of the most fortuitous decisions of her life, to join the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. The bonds that were forged between members of that pledge class rivaled those between filial sisters. That have continued down to today.

A brilliant mathematician, Barbara was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honorary Society. Barbara graduated from Indiana University in 1964.

Over the years Barbara worked in software support and various companies, including Merrell Dow, Sallie Mae, US Funds, and Navient.

Barbara was a member of the Indianapolis Day and Nursery Auxiliary, and the Children’s Museum Guild. Since she loved Halloween, she eagerly anticipated the museum’s Haunted House. Although an attractive woman, with the benefit of make-up and an authentic costume, her legendary portrayal of a real witch lurking in the dark shadows of the museum, was wholly convincing.

Dogs instinctively sensed Barbara’s affection for them, and she had many special ones over the years.

Barbara was a voracious reader, regularly consuming countless books each year. She appreciated the feel of real pages in her hands.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son, Mark David Phillips and her parents.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Hoyt Barrett; son, Scott Allen Phillips and grandchildren, Elizabeth Phillips, Madison Millard, MacKenzie Millard, Morgan Millard, Marshall Millard, Emma (Scotty) Welsh & Gavin Barrett; step-children, Bill Barrett, Robert Barrett, John Barrett and Katherine Millard.

Visitation for Barbara will be from 12:00 to 1:00pm on Friday, December 12th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm. Interment follows at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s name are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.