Barbara Lynn Osting

Barbara Lynn Osting, 79, passed away on February 3 following a brief illness. Born on April 28, 1946, to Sara and Robert Boone, she was known to many as Barb. She married Thomas Osting in 1965, and they shared nearly 60 years together before his passing ten months ago.

Barb spent three decades of her life at Aetna Insurance’s Managed Care Department in Louisville. She retired in 1997 after working her way up to manager, eventually overseeing more than 50 employees throughout her career.

A lasting impact of Barb’s legacy is the Money Honeys investment club she started with her Aetna teammates. With the goal of teaching women about the importance of investing and financial literacy -she always had the betterment of others at heart. The Honeys did not become millionaires, but a good time was had by all.

A trailblazer in her own quiet way, Barb was the family’s primary provider at a time when that was very uncommon. She believed fiercely in education and worked diligently to ensure her children could graduate college debt-free. Above all accomplishments, nothing mattered more to her than being a mother.

She leaves behind her children, Thomas Osting, Jr. (Heather) and Kerry Holt (Darren) who will forever carry her love and lessons forward. She was “Gramme” to four grandchildren—Jackson and Samantha Osting, and Wesley and Charlie Holt—the lights of her life and the source of countless stories, selfies and smiles.

In her retirement, Barbara loved to travel and follow the Kentucky Wildcats to games all over the globe, including multiple NCAA National Championship games. Her favorite years were those led by Rick and Cal, however she had lost HOPE in Pope and had decided to temporarily erase the current squad from her fandom. But anyone who ever knew Barb knows she will forever bleed blue.

She was also an amazing gardener and had a talent for growing beautiful flowers, which she loved tending to along her and Tom’s beloved deck.

She is survived by her two brothers Robert Boone (Lynn) and Richard Boone (Rene), as well as brother-in-law Gerald L. Keyes, Sr. (Cathy); sisters-in-law, Martha Keating (Joe), Deborah Haynes (Bob), Susan Osting and Vickie Osting. She leaves behind a host of cousins, who shared in her joyful spirit. She was also blessed with more than a dozen nieces and nephews who deeply loved their Aunt Barb.

Her chosen family included her two closest friends, Dottie Ledington and Jane Hedden who supported Barb and her family by assisting with transportation and supplying laughs-all while holding her hand through every step of her end-of-life journey.

A visitation will be held for Barb from 11-2 p.m. Friday, February 20, at Arch L. Heady Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40218, with a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park during a private service.

Barb loved all dogs, and was particularly iffy on cats- but all animals gave her great joy. Always on her mind were her beloved basset hounds Katie, Maggie and Chloe. Donations in her honor can be made to the Kentucky Humane Society or by adopting from your nearest animal shelter.