Barbara Jean (Neal) Readle

Barbara Jean Readle (Neal), 88 of Petersburg Indiana, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, May 20 at Amber Manor Care Center.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and aunt. She was born June 23, 1931, the daughter of Benjamin and Evelyn Neal, in Shelbyville, IN. She was a graduate of Carthage High School and attended nursing school in Indianapolis. On May 27, 1950 Barbara married Robert J. Readle. They were blessed to have spent over 50 years journeying through life together prior to his passing in 2002.

She was a lifetime member of the Pike County Chapter of Delta Theta Tau. Barbara was recently recognized for her 50+ years of membership with the Petersburg Garden Club. She was also an avid book reader, and a long-time member of the Methodist Church Book Club, as well as the Browning Book Club. She was a member of the Petersburg United Methodist Church, and active with the United Methodist Women. She also sang in the church choir for many years. She deeply loved her church family and was always willing to help at any time, from organizing and coordinating dinners to helping collect donations for Mountain Missions.

She will be fondly remembered for her love and passion for cooking. She was an amazing cook, and will always be known for her famous cinnamon rolls. Barbara truly had a soft spot for animals, especially her love of cats and owls. Her fascination with owls grew to an extensive collection throughout her house, which she proudly displayed.

She was extremely skilled at completing crossword puzzles and would solve many each day. Barbara enjoyed sitting on her front porch, visiting with family and friends, watching Wheel of Fortune and Lifetime movies. She will forever be remembered as a loving, caring friend who was always wearing a smile.

Barbara is survived by a sister Lu Long of Rushville, IN; a brother Jim Neal (Judy) of Carthage, IN; her five children: Joe Readle (Jenny) of New Port Richey, FL; Alice Kelley (Jerry) of Hanson, KY; Jean Foster (Jim) of Noblesville, IN; Larry Readle (Sally) of Channahon, IL; and Ben Readle (Martha) of Petersburg, IN; along with ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Arlington, IN where she will be laid to rest with her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Petersburg PAWS (4224 N. Meridian Rd. Petersburg IN 47567) or Somebody’s Place (27 W Locust St, Petersburg IN 47567).

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