Barbara S. Blakley

February 6, 1940 – April 16, 2025

Barbara S. Blakley, 85, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Born in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Wilbur and Margaret (McClure) Shook, Barbara spent most of her life in Indianapolis, where she graduated from Broad Ripple High School. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Butler University, where she was a proud member of Delta Gamma Sorority and a spirited Halftime Honey. Since 2013 Barbara spent her winters close to her granddaughter Sawyer in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Barbara enjoyed teaching third grade in Lawrence Township Schools. She enriched the lives of countless children, always sharing her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young minds.

Service was a cornerstone of Barbara’s life. She poured her time and heart into many organizations, including The Children's Museum Guild, Benefe’, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, 100 Voices of Hope, and St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild. She also volunteered at Ascension St. Vincent – Cancer Care and Radiation Oncology.

A lifelong adventurer, Barbara had a deep love for travel and a passion for learning about other cultures. With her husband, she visited 86 countries during her lifetime, with Africa holding a special place in her heart. Her favorite journeys were the ones shared with her beloved granddaughter, Sawyer. At home, Barbara found joy in reading and staying closely connected to her treasured lifelong friends. She belonged to countless social clubs where she played games like Bridge, traveled, and met to just enjoy each other’s company.

She was a longtime member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Meridian Hills Country Club. Barbara’s warmth, kindness, knack for good conversation, and venturesome spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Michael “Mike” Blakley; parents, Margaret and Wilbur Shook.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Michelle Blakley and Stacia Blakley (Todd Perrine); cherished granddaughter, Sawyer Blakley Costello; dear siblings, Bill (Ginette) Shook, Bob (Joyce) Shook, and Kaye (Bill, deceased) Diener; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends across the country.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place on Friday, May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, with interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to Ascension St. Vincent Foundation – Cancer Care; IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center - the IUSCCC Breast Cancer Research Fund; or to Butler University – College of Education.

The family would like to especially thank Paradigm Health Hospice Care for their services and compassion.

Online condolences may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com.