Barbara was born in Vincennes, Indiana, on May 1, 1936. She was the only daughter of Ralph and Catherine Shepard. It was there she met and married her late husband of 68 years, Rexford Early.
She lived an amazing life. She hosted President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan at her home, traveled the world on the U.S. Battlefields Commission, and helped her husband Rex stay out of trouble (for the most part).
She loved living on the river, their farm in Brown County, her racehorses, and, above all, her family.
She always told it like it was, and filters were not part of her make-up.
Barbara is survived by her son Patrick (Kirstine); daughter Angie (Rich); son Michael (Lisa); grandchildren Bart, Bailee, Lindsay, Emily, Erica, Shaela, Kianna, and Braxton; and great-grandchildren Tinlee and Baker.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
