Barbara Jane Nevins Kelleher died May 9, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville.
She was born June 17, 1938, in Clinton, to Edna America Baxter (Nevins) Kelsheimer and Deward J. Nevins. Barbara grew up in Catlin, Indiana, and graduated f from Bridgeton High School. “Barb” met the love of her life Wiliam Joseph “Bill” Kelleher while he was stationed at the Rockville, IN Air Force Base. They married Aug. 31, 1957, in Rockville. Bill preceded her in death April 11, 2001. Barb and Bill had two daughters Michelle Kelleher, Lawrence, Kansas, and Karen (Brent) Fulton of Mason, Ohio.
Barb began her teaching career at Pope John XXIII Elementary School, in Madison. When Bill was transferred to Crawfordsville, Barb completed her bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods College in Terre Haute. She then began teaching at Attica Elementary in Attica, where she started the remedial reading program and taught the fourth grade. She then went on to complete her master’s degree at DePauw University in Greencastle.
Barb enjoyed traveling including trips to Europe and numerous cruises. She enjoyed going yearly to Hilton Head Island with good friends (Marni and Janet) and family. Barb was an avid college football and basketball fan. Her favorite teams were Indiana University and Notre Dame. She also developed a fondness for Nick Saban and Alabama as well. Barb loved horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby. She often held a Derby Party complete with fascinators and mint Julips. Barb also enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to several clubs during her time in Crawfordsville.
Barb was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Crawfordsville and her faith remained especially important to her throughout her life.
In addition to her daughters, survivors include: sister Lois Meyer, Rockville; her precious grandchildren, Emily (Larry) Uebel, Kathleen Kelleher Fulton, Kevin (Maggie) Tietz and David Tietz; and her great-grandchildren, Lydia, Eliza, Caleb and Adrian Tietz. Also surviving are nephew Brad Cottrell and niece Paula (Jim) Brown, niece. Other family members include sisters-in-law, Pat McNerney, Alice Cerebe and Debbie Kelleher.
The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Wellbrooke and the Elara Hospice Team who provided Barb with compassionate care. The family is grateful for their good friend, Margaret Miller, for her love, support, and prayers. And special thanks to Peggy Mills who was Barb’s housekeeper, errand runner, and devoted friend for more than 20 years. Barb deeply loved Peggy and Barb’s family are forever grateful for her friendship over the years.
Hunt & Son Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or any mental health organization.
