Barbara Elaine Evans

More than anything, Barb Evans cherished her family. A nurturing and loving woman, she always had a heart for children, but her grandchildren were her greatest treasure. Barb possessed an adventurous spirit and took to heart those she loved and cared about. Her kind, easygoing nature was a welcome addition to her friendships, and her de termination knew no bounds. Although she will be deeply missed, may her love be what is remembered most.

The end of World War II was a time of great celebration from coast to coast. As young servicemen returned home to the awaiting arms of their sweethearts, the baby boom was officially launched. New families were moving into newly developed suburbs in droves, and U.S. manufacturers quickly turned at-war production into post-war innovations to meet heightened demand for household and consumer goods. By 1946, the assembly line and the 40 hour work week brought much stability to the nation after years of repression during the Great Depression, and the travesties of war. It was now time to begin anew with hopes and dreams for the future. This was especially true for Max L. and Ruth G. (Bieber) Sitton when on December 27, 1946 they received the best gift of all, the birth of their little girl, Barbara.

Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Barb was raised in the Ft. Wayne community of Arcola alongside her two sisters, Carol and Tina. A tomboy through and through, Barb loved the outdoors and enjoyed many adventures during her youth. Her father was a pilot and she especially loved flying with him. Barb attended the local schools and with her fun-loving and outgoing nature, she was a friend of many. In high school she was proud to be a cheerleader, especially since that was the only sport available to girls at the time. Barb went on to graduate from Arcola High School with the Class of 1965 and was one of the last graduating classes before the area schools consolidated in 1969 into what is now known as Carroll High School.

In 1977, Barb moved her and her children to Coesse. Through the years, Barb was a steadfast worker and was a longtime waitress at numerous restaurants in Whitley and Allen Counties. It was while working at Charkys Restaurant on State Street in Ft. Wayne when she met the love of her life, Robert Evans.

Robert, a truck driver, took notice of Barb at the restaurant and before he came in the next time, he remained in his vehicle to see through the big windows which section Barb was working. Once he spotted her, he proceeded into the restaurant and asked to be seated in her section. Bob went on to introduce himself to Barb as Bob Evans, and since there was a restaurant by the name of Bob Evans, she truly thought he was joking. Upon his asking to meet him for coffee later, Barb agreed. They met at Azars Big Boy Restaurant off of Coliseum Boulevard, and from that point on they were always together taking in life and all it had to offer.

Deeply in love, within the year on May 19, 1984 Barb married Robert J. Evans, Sr. at Arcola United Methodist Church. With her two daughters and two sons, along with Roberts two daughters and one son, they became a family of nine. Even though they had their share of adjustments, their families blended well and they lovingly took on one anothers children as their own. Together they made a good home for their family all while creating lasting memories. Barb enjoyed cooking for her family and the holidays were always a special time in their home. At Christmastime she baked the most delicious rolled sugar cookies and everyone fought over her scrumptious Christmas ham. With an unending love for animals, Barb especially loved her dog, Candy when she was a child, and she came to love and grow close to her son Williams dog, Peanut, who soon became one of her best companions.

Barbs love for children was clearly evident in her work. For over 40 years she worked as a school bus driver with Northwest Allen and Whitley County Consolidated School System. She loved making gift bags at Christmastime and also on the last day of school to give to the many kids on her route. She came to know and love each of them well, and relished watching them grow each year.

For over 20 years and through raising her family and working, Barb battled various forms of cancer. Even while at home sick, Barb would stand at her back door in Coesse and watch the buses come and go, saying how much she truly missed her bus kids. Each time she could hardly wait to get back to work. Barb had a tumor in her abdomen removed four years ago, but due to her health, she was forced to retire three years ago. Throughout her brave battle, Barb was ever grateful for the love and support of her best friend, Judy Lawrence who always remained by her side and good friend, Pat Carpenter who would stop by to have coffee with her often.

Barbs grandchildren were #1 in her life. She was very supportive of them and enjoyed cheering them on in anything they did. Spending time with them brought her the greatest delight, and in them she found her greatest joy. Even as her health worsened, Barb was a fighter. She was absolutely overjoyed to have been able to attend her granddaughter, Hannahs wedding a few weekends ago.

Family was the very heart of Barb Evans. In all she did, she placed their needs above her own, and she would not have wanted it any other way. A blessing in the lives of all she knew and loved, Barb will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the special places of the heart that only she could fill.

Barbara E. Evans, 68, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 5:17 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at her home. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Bob Evans; mother, Ruth Sitton of Arcola; daughters, Jennifer Coy and Juliana (Steven) Johnson both of Columbia City; sons, Scott (April) Frazier, William Lanier and Robert (Shannon) Evans Jr., all of Columbia City; stepdaughters, Dawn Evans and Donette (Rick) Emery; sisters, Carol (Marvin) Alwine of Ft. Wayne and Tina (Joe) Marchand of Pierceton; grandchildren, Hannah Coy, Mollie Coy, Emma Coy, Elijah Frazier, Jonah Frazier, Taliah Frazier, Zachariah Frazier, Ashlee Grant, Maddison Evans, Cameron Evans, Stacy Keener, Chad Johnson and Kyle Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father, Max Sitton; and infant grandchildren, Drew Jeffrey Coy, Carter Lee Evans and Katherine Marie Evans.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Grable officiating. Burial will follow at Union Township Cemetery in Coesse. Memorial donations may be made to Whitley County 4-H Clubs, Inc.