Barbara Claire Nunemaker

A beloved mother and grandmother, lifelong learner, and self-proclaimed “God’s gift to grace,” Barbara was an avid antique collector and skillful appraiser. She was employed with Exit 76 Antique Mall and was chairman of the merchants committee there.

During her younger years, Barbara was an accomplished musician, often playing piano in local movie theaters and other venues. After graduating from Columbus High School she was employed in the local banking industry. Her daughters also remember her as a talented seamstress who created beautiful tailored outfits for herself and for them during their school years. In addition, Barbara and her husband for many years bowled competitively at local bowling lanes where her bowling career included an almost-perfect 287 game.

Barbara’s community involvement included extensive American Red Cross volunteerism. She served on the board of directors of the Bartholomew County American Red Cross and was an area water safety instructor trainer. She was employed for several years as an instructor for parent/tot swimming classes and as a swimming instructor coordinator with Columbus Department of Parks and Recreation. She was a former member of First Christian Church and Asbury United Methodist Church.

Barbara was born September 26, 1931, in Columbus, Indiana, to Walter Paul and Alma Littiken Vogel. She married Clair A. Nunemaker in Columbus, Indiana, July 14, 1951. He preceded her in death February 8, 2002.

Her survivors include three daughters, Jan Nunemaker, Elkhart, Indiana, Toni Nunemaker, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Kim (Randy) Kitterman, Earl Park, Indiana; two sons, Lyn (Christie) Nunemaker and Kurt (Emily) Nunemaker, both of Columbus, Indiana; five grandchildren, Jared Verkerke, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Keevan Verkerke, Sacramento, California, Sarah Kitterman, Huntington, West Virginia, Payton Nunemaker, Columbus, Indiana and Ben Dobson, Columbus, Indiana; four great-grandchildren, Kameron, Riley, and Morgan Verkerke of Grand Rapids and Zoe Anne Bondi-Verkerke of Sacramento; and a step-sister, Joyce (Gary) Robertson, Columbus, Indiana.

In addition to her husband, parents, and her step-mother, Agatha “Peggy” Vogel, she was preceded in death by a brother, Don Vogel; a sister, Joyce Vogel Calvin; and a great-grandson, Connor Verkerke.

A private memorial service was held May 1.