Barbara J. (Fisher) Stickler

Barbara Jane Stickler, 80, of New Carlisle, IN passed away peacefully with loving family by her side at 1:33PM on Friday, May 4, 2018.

Barbara was born August 31, 1937 in Elkhart, IN to the late Eugene and Mildred (Yeager) Fisher. She has been a resident of the New Carlisle area for over sixty five years.

On August 10, 1957 she married the love of her life, David Bruce Stickler, who preceded Barbara in death on October 16, 1974. Barbara was also preceded in death by her loving companion of over 25 years, George Blackston, on March 6, 2014.

A devoted and loving mother, Barbara took pride in her relationships with her children. Surviving to cherish her loving memory are her daughters, Shelley Bradshaw of New Carlisle, IN, and Vicky Stickler-Gatson (Darroll Gatson) of Lansing, MI. Barb’s youngest daughter, Cathy “Katie” Keck, preceded her in death on April 28, 2015. Barbara is also survived by sons-in-law Robert Keck of New Carlisle and Dick Bradshaw of New Carlisle.

Barbara, better known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “MeMe Barb”, “Babs”, and “MeMe Jane”, took great satisfaction in being the matriarch of the family until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago. She supported her children and grandchildren in their various activities and quickly became everyone’s “MeMe”. Barb was extra special to many, but particularly her surviving grandchildren, Bradley (Kelley) Bradshaw, Brooklyn (Erik) Mrozinski, Bryan (Amber) Bradshaw, Darrielle Stickler Gatson, Dia Stickler Gatson, DeAnna (fiancée Skyler Cotter) Stickler Gatson, Koby Keck, and Kourtney Keck. A grandson, Kaylor (Cara) Keck, preceded her in death on June 5, 2016.

MeMe Barb is survived by nine outstanding great-grandchildren, with whom she held a special bond in her heart, Lucas and Caleb Bradshaw, Noah and Beau Bradshaw, Ainsleigh Mrozinski, Dakoda, Dawson, and Kaydence Stickler Gatson, and Laylynne Ellington.  

Barbara is also survived by her identical twin sister, Beverly Jean (John) Schrader of Buchanan, MI, and brothers, Larry (Terri Norris) Fisher of New Mexico, and Garry (Sharon) Fisher of Arizona. A remarkable uncle, Jim (Paulette) Fisher, of Iowa also survives.  Barbara is also survived by several nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart. 

Barbara was a 1955 graduate of New Carlisle High School where she was a cheerleader with her twin sister. She was a member of the American Legion Post #297 Auxiliary, New Carlisle Fire Department Auxiliary, and Eastern Star.

Barb held many titles during her life as she worked at Nic’s Handy Super, the Town Crier, and was known around town to many as the “Avon lady”. She would go out of her way to help anyone and devoted much of her life to supporting her children and grandchildren. It was rare if Barbara missed one of her children or grandchildren’s sporting events. She had a caring soul, a heart of gold, and a hug for everyone.

Prior to her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s, MeMe enjoyed sewing, golfing, selling Avon, social media, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She was exceptional at taking photos and documenting her children and grandchildren’s lives through video recording. We must confess, at that time we gave her a hard time, but now we are completely grateful for the memories she captured.

The family wishes to thank Grace Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Barbara and support they provided to the family during her final moments.

Visitation will be from 11:00AM to 1:00PM (EST) on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. The Memorial Service will begin at 1:00PM with Pastor Kal Morrison officiating. Burial will immediately follow in New Carlisle Cemetery, New Carlisle, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice, 5838 Brick Road, Suite 101, South Bend, IN 46628.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

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