Barbara L. Ratulowski

Barbara passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the age of 81. She was born on March 6, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to loving parents, Cyril and Lucille Riemer. She attended Maine Township High School and achieved her beautician license after graduation. She met her husband, Edward Ratulowski, during her high school years, and they were married on April 10, 1965. They were united in marriage for fifty-two years.

Barbara worked as a beautician, styling wigs, for several years in downtown Chicago. After they married, Edward worked for the Federal Highway Department and was sent to a variety of locations around the United States. They lived in Oregon, Montana, Washington D.C., North Carolina, and Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin, their daughter Karen was born.

In 1968, Edward was transferred to the Indianapolis area where they would stay and build their life. She provided a loving home and was friends to many. She eventually became a preschool teacher at Funshine Children’s Center. Educating young children was a passion for Barbara, and she was an excellent teacher. It was a job that provided her great joy, and she had an impact on many lives.

She was most appreciative of the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren, Rachel and Ashley. They developed a deep and rich bond with their grandmother. They were blessed to have her in their lives to teach them faith, love, hope, selflessness, gratitude, and grace. She attended every musical, dance recital, play and school program she could, always clapping, smiling, and singing along. She felt great love and affection for her son-in-law Bill, Rachel’s boyfriend Aiden, and all the family friends she so enjoyed being with.

Barbara enjoyed reading, cooking, and attending events with her family. She was also well known for her love of the popular book series and TV show, “Outlander” and all things Scottish! She held her faith in God close to her throughout her life, which shaped her love for life and others. She always wants to be her best self for all around her and demonstrated what it means to live with dignity. She will be admired, quoted, and loved forever, and is our family angel now and always. She was a caring, loving, and thoughtful daughter, wife, mother, and nana.

The joy of color was important for Barbara, and she wishes for everyone to wear color instead of black to celebrate her life. A visitation will be held on Thursday September 28th at 11 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. The funeral mass will begin at 12 PM. A private burial will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery.