Anita Ruth Barber, age 93 of rural Tipton, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at I.U. Health Tipton Hospital following a sudden illness but a long well-lived life. She was born January 12, 1925 in Elwood, the daughter of Leo and Veda (Etchison) Jarrett. Anita was a devoted farm wife and homemaker all of her life, and she assisted her husband, Don with Barber Family Farms for many years. She was a 1942 graduate of Elwood High School, and later married the love of her life, Donald O. Barber, on March 11, 1944. They shared 71 years of marriage together until his passing on March 18, 2015. She was a member of the “Mix & Fix” Home Economic Club, and enjoyed knitting, crafting, and quilting. Anita and Don were “snowbirds”, spending 41 winters in Lakeland, Florida. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed playing the organ for enjoyment. More than anything, Anita was devoted to her family and proud to remain independent.

Anita’s family includes 4 children, Doneta (husband Smoke) Merida of Tipton, Keith (wife Barb) Barber of Elwood, Tony (wife ViAnn) Barber of Elwood, and Jeff (wife Jenny) Barber of Elwood; daughter-in-law, Joyce Barber of Elwood; brother, Kenny (wife Mary) Jarrett of Elwood; sister-in-law, Phyllis Jarrett of Elwood; 13 grandchildren, Greg (wife Traci) Merida, Lisa Merida, Staci (husband Brant) Sell, Kelli (husband Rob) English, Brandi Freese, Josh (wife Jess) Barber, Blake (wife Sarah) Barber, Brandon (wife Katelynn) Barber, Stacy Trueblood, Shawn (wife Wendy) Smith, Jeff Fetz, Todd (wife Shelly) Nance, and Dodi Baldwin; 30 great-grandchildren and another expected in 2018; 6 great-great-grandchildren; special friend and caregiver to Anita, Cassie Doan; and several nieces and nephews. Anita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald O. Barber in 2015; son, Phil Barber in 1997; brother, Lindell Jarrett; and great-grandson, Colten Mince.

A funeral service celebrating Anita’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Ron Meyer of Harmony Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.