She was born Thursday, June 9, 1938, in Albany, Indiana, the daughter of Eugene and Margaret (Morgan) Nickols. Barbara was raised in Muncie, and graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1956 and from Ball State Teacher’s College, (now Ball State University) in 1960.

Barbara’s lifelong occupation was in Elementary Education. Her first teaching position was in Battle Creek, Michigan where she met the love of her life, James S. Hewitt. They married in 1961, and moved to Lompoc, California, in 1962. Barbara taught elementary school there until she retired in 1998. During her thirty-six-year career, Barbara was held in high regard by all who knew her and received many awards and commendations for her excellence as a teacher.

Barbara was devoted to her family and in 2001 decided to move back to Muncie to be closer to them, where her home quickly became the main gathering place for family and friends. There were many card games and much laughter shared around her dining room table. She enjoyed music, gardening, the theatre and the arts, and participating in activities at Riverside United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Hewitt, who passed away in 1977; her parents, Eugene and Margaret Nickols; her sister, Elizabeth Long, and her brother, Morgan Nickols.

Survivors include her son, Jason Hewitt, of New York, and her sisters, Peggy Polk and Connie Pendleton, both of Muncie. She is also survived by her niece, Katrina Long of Las Vegas, and nephews, Bill Polk, Jr., Greg Polk, Brad Polk (Ann), and Clay Pendleton, all of Muncie, sister-in-law, Patty Nickols, and nephew, Clinton Paul (Angela) of Kokomo, and several great nieces and nephews.

Barbara will be cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life service held at a later date, followed by burial in Elm Ridge Memorial Park.

The Elm Ridge Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.