Barbara L. Stickles

barbara-l-stickles

Barbara L. (McBride) Stickles, 90, of Clay City, Indiana passed away on September 10, 2021 while staying at Harrison Crossing Rehabilitation Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. Prior to her recent stay there she resided at Villas of Hollybrook in Brazil, Indiana. Barbara married the late Bob (John Robert) Stickles on October 14, 1950. After Bob’s service in the US Airforce which included many moves and living in a 21 foot Airstream trailer, they established their home on their farm near Clay City. Barbara graduated from Freedom High School and attended (now) Indiana State University studying home economics prior to their marriage. Together they farmed in Southern Clay County their entire lives. In addition to her farm responsibilities of bookkeeping, marketing, field work, and farmer’s wife, Barbara was a substitute teacher and mother. Barbara was involved in the community and served in many leadership roles. Barbara was president of CCHS Band Boosters, Sunday School teacher for both youth and adults, church camp counselor, Farm Bureau Women’s board member at the county and state levels, and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also served in many leadership roles in the United Methodist Church at the local, district, and conference levels. A consummate cook and hostess she prepared, or organized, countless meals through the years. It might have been Easter Sunrise breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner for 60, 4-H and Band Booster stand food at the fairs and festivals, funeral dinners, field workers’ meals, or after Clay City basketball game celebrations. Barbara continued sharing her love of cooking with her friends in Tara Woods where she and Bob enjoyed winters in N. Fort Myers. Their “dirty dozen” group played golf, had dinners, and many of their holidays at her table. Barbara and Bob enjoyed their work together and supporting their daughters’ and grandsons’ activities. They traveled extensively with friends. In recent years they participated in the Grasshopper’s Club, a golf group that met at various Indiana locations. This and National Telephone Cooperative meetings and National Farm Bureau, Pork Producers and farm supplier trips were often shared with good friends Cliff and Louise Phillips of Greencastle. The biggest and most long-lived trip was the annual family trip to the Ozarks after the Clay County fair with the Liechty’s, Cooprider’s, and Gerber’s. Barbara was born to Clarence and Vada (Noel) McBride on March 8,1931. They preceded her in death as did brothers Fred McBride (Marilyn), Gary McBride and David McBride. Also preceding her was bonus-grandson John (“Sam”) McDaniel. Barbara is survived by her daughters Debra Van (Mike) of Leesburg, Indiana and Beth Stickles-McDaniel (Dave) of Carmel, Indiana. She is also survived by grandsons Robert “Nome” McBride and John Finch (Haley) great-grandson Tulasi, several bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Pauline McBride and Elaine McBride. Barbara is survived by many nieces and nephews along with their families, including Jim Haas (Linda) of Clay City. Visitation will be at Schoppenhorst Funeral Home, 301 East Eighth Street, Clay City, Indiana 47481 on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11am – 1:00pm. Services will be at the funeral home at 1:00pm with Pastor Brad Hindsley officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231. Visit schoppenhorstfuneralhome.com to leave a message for the family or light a candle in Barbara’s memory.