Barbara Ann (Hendrix) Read

February 7, 1930 - March 22, 2021

“This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalm 118:24.

So lived Barbara Ann Hendrix Read.

Barb was born Feb 7, 1930 to Thomas Guy Hendrix and Bernice Brandom Hendrix in Kokomo, IN. The family moved to northern Indiana during the depression where Barb attended Inwood School, later graduating from Plymouth High School in 1948.

Barb met her future husband, James, when they were in junior high school. Dating through their school years, they were married on September 12, 1948 at the EUB Church in Plymouth. To their union they were blessed with four sons and one daughter.

Barb was a leader in her faith. Alongside James, she helped establish the Sunrise Chapel Church in Plymouth and most recently attended the Plymouth Missionary Church in Plymouth. Barb taught Sunday School classes for many years, played the piano for services, sang in both a quartet and a trio praising the Lord and was a champion for Jesus. She recorded faith-based radio sessions long before podcasts became popular. These recorded programs are still being played and heard by listeners of the local radio station. Barb lived her faith and shared her love of the Lord with all who would listen - and many listened, as Barb did not know a stranger. She was loved by many and a friend to all.

In the past, Barb was involved in Red Cross, teaching first aid classes at the Plymouth Schools.

She was the first woman to serve on the Plymouth Athletic Booster Board. Barb served on the Plymouth Blueberry Festival Board for several years, promoting not only the festival but also the Plymouth community. While on the festival board, she organized the first bike race, tug-of-war and arm wrestling events. She was a ham radio operator which she utilized to talk to her husband while he was on a mission trip to Honduras. Barb was proud that she was able to work alongside her husband at the Plymouth Fertilizer Company, scheduling truck routes and preparing payroll.

Barb loved being outside. She raised a truck patch garden from which she fed her family and canned much of the produce. Her canned ketchup was a wellloved specialty by many in the family. Barb also loved to mow her yard! For many years she teased (we think) that on her tombstone she wanted the phrase ‘She loved to mow; but she had to go’.

Barb was adventurous and seemingly tireless. She loved spending time with her family. Barb hosted pool parties, first for her children and friends and later her grandchildren. Her pantry, her refrigerator, and her heart were always open. Many Sundays after church were spent with Grandpa and Grandma Read, first having lunch then enjoying family time. There were vacations, camping trips, Easter egg hunts, Read summer camp-outs and the ever popular Read Family Olympics. Later there were week-long family cruises, complete with family color-coded cruise T-shirts to commemorate the occasion.

Musically and rhythmically talented, Barb took both accordion and tap dance lessons as a young girl. She later taught herself to play the piano. She took an astronomy class at Ancilla College and enjoyed viewing the stars with the telescope that James later bought for her. Barb was always learning.

In her 50’s, Barb became a runner, twice running in the Blueberry Stomp (10K race) during the annual Blueberry Festival, finishing both times. Barb’s bucket list included skydiving and she achieved that goal at the age of 82.

Barb enjoyed sports, particularly Chicago Bears football. Her greatest sports love was Jr/sr High School wrestling. With two sons who wrestled and then later coached, Barb was not only a spectator (keeping her own stats for each individual match) but also a volunteer. She helped set-up and maintain brackets for tournaments and later helped broadcast the State Wrestling meets on the radio. For years she introduced herself to many students and wrestlers as ‘Grandma Read’. She was both loved and respected by the students, their parents, and, yes, even many officials. Barb and James attended meets until she was no longer able to do so. They then filled the void by watching the streamed events.

Barb leaves behind her loving husband of 72 years, James W, and their four sons and spouses: James L (Debra), Thomas I (Jacqueline), Robert A (Karen), and David A (Shellie); 16 grandchildren (plus spouses) and 38 great-grandchildren (one spouse).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Guy and Bernice Hendrix, an infant brother, her in-laws, Ivan and Daisy Read, and her only daughter, Debra A Read.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. Isaiah 40:31

Arrangements for Barb are as follows: There will be a family and friends visitation at Plymouth Missionary Church, 1350 E Jefferson St, Plymouth on Monday, April 5 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The funeral celebration of life service will also be held at the church on April 6 at 2 p.m. There will be no graveside service.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to: World Gospel Missions, 3783 E State Road 18, Marion, Ind., 46952 or World Missionary Press, 19168 CR 146, PO Box 120, New Paris, Ind., 46553. The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched by tapping on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hib7zhqolxk The family thanks their friends and community for their support during these difficult times.

Deaton-clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted with arrangements.

Those who wish to share condolences or memories may do so by visiting: www.deatonclemensvangilderfuneralhome.com

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