Barbara was born August 15, 1929, in Sidney, Ohio to John and Cecilia Meyer. Barbara graduated from Lehman High School in 1947 and went on to complete a 2-year program in 1949 at Miami-Jacobs College in Dayton. While living and working in Dayton, Barbara took a chance on a blind date and met the man she would marry, Joseph Thomas Lettelleir.
After moving to Indianapolis Barbara discovered her passion for politics, holding various positions including vice precinct and vice ward chairman, earning her a Key to the City by then Mayor Richard Lugar.
Barbara was employed from the early 1970's to 1992 by Arbitration Forums and was well regarded by the many insurance adjusters and judges she worked with over the years. Following her retirement, she joined the St. Vincent's Guild and volunteered in the gift shop at St. Vincent's Hospital where she enjoyed interacting with the employees, visitors, and fellow volunteers.
A fan of all kinds of sports, Barbara was active in coaching CYO kickball teams several years for both St. Monica and St. Luke Catholic Schools and brought home championships to both teams. She also made it a point to attend the myriad of swim meets, games and other activities in support of her children and grandchildren.
Barbara enjoyed many different things in life. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her family. She excelled in counted cross stitching. She completed many beautiful and intricate pieces for friends and family. She loved to spend time in her kitchen baking and cooking. She loved playing games, crossword puzzles and 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles.
Barbara had a strong faith that carried her through life. She found peace in praying for her family, friends, and others who were in need. She was a member of St. Monica and St. Luke Catholic parishes throughout her life in Indianapolis.
Barbara is survived by her two daughters Peggy (Doug) Horstmann and Sara Lettelleir; two grandchildren Christine Horstmann and Andrew (Molly) Horstmann; a great grandson; and multiple nieces and nephews, and her long-time friend, Lee Allen. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Tom Lettelleir; a grandson Joseph Horstmann, her parents, her five siblings and their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to family and the love she shared with everyone around her. The family would like to thank the staff at Copper Trace Assisted Living for the wonderful care they provided.
A funeral mass at St. Luke Catholic Church is scheduled for 11:30 AM on October 23, 2026, with a luncheon and celebration of life to follow. There will be a visitation prior to the mass beginning at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will take place at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery later in the day.
Please refer to the Leppert Mortuary website (www.leppertmortuary.com) for updated information. The family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s name to Riley Children’s Hospital or Indy Humane instead of sending flowers.
