Patricia Chester Barnhart

A resident of Bloomington since 1973, Pat was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on December 4, 1936 to Harry and Hazel Reaper (nee Clark). She was raised in Gary, Indiana and was a graduate of Portage High School.

In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Pat also achieved great success in her professional life. In 1969, she began her sales career at Johnson Chevrolet, in Indianapolis. She won numerous automobile sales awards at a time when there were virtually no women working in this field. Pat was subsequently successful at automobile dealerships in Connersville and Bloomington as she and her family moved across Indiana in support of her first husband’s career in vocational education. Beginning in 1979, she became a real estate agent and broker working for Owens, Bryan, and Reed and Tucker Real Estate where she was also recognized for her achievements. Pat also worked as an interior decorator and was a member of Tri Kappa Sorority earlier in her life. She was unyielding and passionate; Pat loved life, had an unwavering love of her family, and was always ready for the next adventure.

Pat was preceded in death by her first husband Ronald M. Chester, in November 1994, second husband Frank A. Barnhart in May of this year, and her stepdaughter, Carol Cross.

Pat is survived by her children, Ray Chester (Sherry) of Indianapolis, Kandee Proctor of Bloomington, Jon Chester of Corning, New York, and Mark Chester (Karla) of Trafalgar; her stepchildren, David Barnhart (Linda) of Middletown, Ohio, and Julie Abel (Tony) of Elwood; grandchildren, Amy Chester Estes of Fort Walton, Florida, Abby Chester of Rockville, Maryland, and Jonah Chester of Charleston, South Carolina; great-grandchildren, Cole and Emma Estes; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E 3rd Street, Bloomington, Indiana, 47401, on Monday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial to follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s name to a charity of one’s choice. The family would also like to thank the staff at Gentry Park for the compassionate care they provided Pat.