Barbara Beth Anderson

She was a remarkable woman! Barbara was born on Sept 27, 1922 in

Genesio, Illinois to Henry and Susie Bogue. She was the second of six children.

The family moved to Indiana in 1928.

After graduating from Washington High School, she attended Earlham College and earned a BS degree in Education. While at Earlham Barbara was very active in

several organizations and sports. She worked in the President’s office, was a volunteer counselor at youth camps, represented Earlham College on the

L.S. Ayres college board, and was elected May Day Queen in 1943.

During her time at Earlham, Barbara also met Rex Anderson. They were married in 1944 while Rex was home on leave from the Navy during WW II. Barb and Rex were married for 70 years until his death in 2015.

Barbara had two children. Brent, born in 1947 and Lynne, born in 1949.

How lucky we were to have this amazing lady as our Mom. From the time we were very young, our house was the favorite place for friends to gather. They were always welcome and Mom always had plenty of understanding, advice, and food to go around.

Mom was one of those people who could and would do anything to help solve a problem. So many times Brent and I would say, “My Mom can do it!” This sometimes resulted in enormous tasks for our Mom. Things like planning and hosting a Fellowship of Christian Athletes dinner, or making 40 outfits for my Howe High School girls drill team! She continued to be involved with our friends and their families throughout her life, and several of them considered her their second Mom.

Barbara was a gifted educator who influenced and enriched the lives of many students and others during her 25 year career. She taught Adult day and night school at several IPS schools. She spent most of her years at Manual High School where she taught and was the Department Head for Home Economics, Foods, and Family Living. She stayed in contact with many of her former students throughout

the years.

After retiring in 1978 Barbara enjoyed volunteering, traveling, golf and quilting. She also loved sharing wonderful times with family and friends at her homes on Lamb Lake and in Englewood, Florida.

Barbara began quilting after retirement. She produced many beautifully detailed quilts that she displayed and gave to friends. When her eyesight began to fail she switched her focus to making quilts for children. More times than not, when someone walked into her home, she was working happily in her sewing room.

We laughed and called it “The Factory”. In all, Mom made and donated over 1600 quilts to Riley Hospital, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Rehab hospital of Indiana, Julian Center, Holy Family Shelter, Linus Project and others.

This was her way of helping and always giving back!

In addition to her parents and five siblings, Barbara was preceded in death by Rex, her husband of 70 years, and her beloved son Brent Anderson. She is survived by her daughter Lynne Tanksley (Brooks), grandson Brad Tanksley (Jenni), and great grandchildren Brendan and Brooke Tanksley.

We will miss her more than words can say. Thoughts of Barbara will bring joy

and happiness to all who were lucky enough to know her!

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, February 28, 2022, from 2-4 at

Little and Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.littleandsonsindianapolis.com for the Anderson family.