Barbara L. Paris

When reflecting on the life of Barbara Paris, words such as kindhearted, devoted and hardworking come to mind, yet it will be her unending love for her family that will be her lasting legacy. She was a natural source of love, comfort and hope for so many others, yet it was the moments she shared with those she loved that meant the world to her. The way before Barbara was not always easy, but she faced every challenge with courage and a quiet strength that was her constant companion. The memories Barbara leaves behind will be lasting treasures in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Barbaras story began on a cool spring day in 1955, as the snow began to melt and nature started to come to life in Noble County, Indiana. For Roger and Marilyn (Shepard) Fry, it was a time of celebration for their family as the welcomed a new sprout of their own with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Barbara, on March 10, 1955. Barb, as she was called, was one of four children in her family with two sisters, Jane and Elizabeth, and a brother, Michael. Growing up, Barb was an animal lover and spent much of her time riding her beloved horse Rebel and pony Princess, and chasing after their family dog. Her favorite pastime, however, was being her Dads sidekick in whatever he was doing; from mushroom hunting to watching (and talking) about sports, she was with him. Because of this, her Dad often referred to her as his 2nd son. Barb was an excellent student in school, and received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award in the 8th grade and was a member of the National Honor Society in high school. She went on to graduate from Columbia City Joint High School in 1973.

Throughout her working days, Barb was known for her strong work ethic. She spent 37 years in the insurance industry, working first at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, and then in 2001, for Swiss Re Service, who bought her division at LL and was moved to their office building in Fort Wayne. Here, Barb was an Assistant Vice President until retiring. Barb was also active in her community throughout her life. She was a member of the Elks Lodge #1417 and attended Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Barb was blessed to find her true love, Jerry Paris, a bit later in life, though they had actually first met during their junior year in high school. The two never dated but were good friends who went their separate ways after graduation. It wasnt until years later when Barb went to her sister-in-laws 50th birthday party in 2007 that their paths crossed again, and their love story began. After a two year courtship, Barb and Jerry were happily married on June 13, 2009, on their deck, overlooking Shriner Lake.

For Barb, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She loved to host many great family get togethers, and every year, Barb and her neighbor would host the Shrinerpalooza at their lake house on Shriner Lake, which brought both of their families and close friends together for a great time. Many even came to think of this as their annual family reunion! When she wasnt being the host, Barb enjoyed taking pontoon rides, going to dinner at the Elks on Friday nights, and without fail, she and Jerry went to visit her parents every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Always thinking of others, Barb never missed an opportunity to send a gift or card filled with all her love to family and friends for a birthday or special occasion.

Barb was a woman of great strength and strong will, who persevered through many trials that came her way - and there were many in her lifetime. Already as a baby, Barb had to fight as she suffered with breathing problems, and at the age of 28, she battled her first round with cancer and beat it. Her most heart wrenching challenge though came in 1996 when she lost her beloved son, Adam, who was a senior in high school. He left behind a son, River, who became Barbs driving force in life, and she took great pride in helping to raise him. Nothing warmed her heart more than spending time with her grandson; they went on many great vacations together and even attended motorcycle races. Barb was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears, and this past spring River and Grandpa Jerry made her a flower garden in the colors of the Bears with a Chicago Bear mushroom as the centerpiece. She was proud to have that in her yard! It was easy to see that Barb adored all of her family, and it was when she was surrounded by their love that she felt richly blessed. With her beloved family by her side, Barb lost her 2nd battle with cancer on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at her home on Tri-Lakes at 6:23 p.m. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Paris; parents, Roger and Marilyn Fry of Columbia City; brother, Michael (Glenna) Fry of Columbia City; sister, Jane (Max) Goldwood and Elizabeth Hartman both of Columbia City; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Keener of Huntington; grandson, River Kolb; and granddaughters, Celest Holley and Isabel Saldivar; and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Mance. She was preceded in death by her son, Adam Kolb, on November 21, 1996; niece, Rachel Sheets, nephew, Nathan Fry, and her father-in-law, Melvin Mance.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 5, and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, with funeral service immediately following at 10 a.m. Saturday at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Pastor David Arnold will be officiating. Friends and family will gather for Barbs committal and burial on Sunday, September 7, at 10 a.m. at Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. Memorials may be given in memory of Mrs. Paris to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.