Barbara Ellen Lucas

Indianapolis - Barbara Ellen (Miller) Lucas, 90, departed this earth for heaven on December 15, 2021, with her lifetime sweetheart, husband of 69 years, John W. Lucas, Jr. by her side. She was born on December 27, 1930 to Gertrude (Pahmeier) Miller and Charles Ivan Miller in Sandborn, IN. The love story began as Barbara in eighth grade delivered the Sunday newspaper on her bicycle to the Lucas family. John inquired which church she would be attending and encouraged his family to attend the same church. They graduated from Decatur Central High School and were married September 14, 1952, in Indianapolis, IN. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from Purdue University in 1953. Barbara taught home economics and became a Purdue University Extension Agent. During the early 1960s, she was the television host of a weekly local show dedicated to presenting new home trends, fashion updates, sewing, and cooking tips. Barbara held multiple volunteer positions as a 4-H leader and president of the parent organizations at Valley Mills and Spring Mill Elementary Schools. She was a member of P.E.O. and a member of Second Presbyterian Church, serving as church receptionist and volunteer at numerous PW events. Barbara shared her joy of cooking and compiled a recipe cookbook published in 1971 by Second Presbyterian Women's Association. Family and friends enjoyed the weekly Sunday meal gathering at the Lucas home.

Throughout her life, Barbara remained dedicated and involved in her home economics professional organization. She held numerous local and national offices including President of Home Economists' Guild of Indianapolis, Chairman of National Home Economics in Homemaking, President of Indiana State HEIH-AHEA (now AAFCS organization), and President of Purdue University Consumer Science Alumni. In 2001, she was presented with the Purdue University School of Consumer and Family Science Hidden Diamond Award for her professional achievements. Above all, Barbara was deeply devoted to her family as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Barbara is survived by her husband, John W. Lucas Jr., children, Terri Lynn Harris (Steven), Donald Alan Lucas (Laura), and David Brian Lucas (Cindy), grandchildren, Jennifer Harris Palmer (Kyle), Elizabeth Harris Praver (Moshe), Kevin Harris (Molly), Lauren Lucas, Christine Lucas Konstanzer (Ryan), Michelle Lucas, Lindsay Lucas, Emily Lucas and Jeffrey Lucas, great grandchildren, Mason and Andrew Palmer, and Eden Harris Praver.

Visitation for Barbara will be held Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Leppert Mortuary, 740 E 86th St, Indianapolis, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Service will be held Monday, December 20, at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian St, Indianapolis with visitation at 8:30 a.m. and funeral starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Claysville Cemetery, Campbellsburg, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Second Presbyterian Church Women's Association. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuary.com for the Lucas family.