A beloved mother is never forgotten.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara Stevens Russell Jewell of Farmersburg at the age of 88. Barbara was born in a small farmhouse just west of Farmersburg on January 18, 1933 to Lee and Thelma Stevens. She was the oldest of three children which included brother Bob (Trudy) Stevens and Nelda (Roy) Spears. She graduated from Farmersburg High School in 1951 and married her high school sweetheart, Nathan Russell, on June 15, 1951. From this loving relationship were born two children, daughter, JoAnn (Bryan) Woodsmall and son, Mike (Jennifer) Russell, eight grandchildren Justin (Linda) Russell, Taryn (Michael) Summers, Daniel Woodsmall, Michael (Lauren) Woodsmall, Laura (Huntington) Hardisty, Nathan Russell, Carrie (Caleb) Giffin, and Zane Woodsmall; twelve great grandchildren Kendal and Kade Summers; Calvin, Simon and Archie Russell; Remy and Gia Woodsmall; Hunt and Judah Hardisty; Jaylee and Katie Padgett; and Ryan Snow. After Nathan’s death Barbara married Doyle Jewell on August 4, 1984 and became a stepmother to Drew Jewell, Laura (Dale) Winkel and Valerie (Dean) Bushey.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Nathan Russell, her second husband, Doyle Jewell, stepson Drew Jewell, and her parents Lee & Thelma Stevens. Other survivors include sister-in-law Virginia Russell, several cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends and her cat, Kitter.

As a school secretary for many years at Farmersburg Elementary and then at North Central High School, Barbara enjoyed the kids that surrounded her. She knew their names and their life stories and enjoyed talking with them whenever she saw them, even after they had graduated. Not content to sit at home after retirement, Barbara worked during tax season, as a receptionist at Brown, Woodsmall & Hinkel. She continued to work there until her health declined to the point she could no longer work. She also served for several years as a volunteer at Union Hospital and Sullivan County Community Hospital. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Shelburn and the Eastern Stars.

Barbara loved music and enjoyed listening to the worship team at church. She always arrived early on Sunday morning so she could listen during their practice time before the service. She and Nathan liked to square dance and were members of the Swinging Mates square dance club. They especially enjoyed attending square dances at Dragon’s Barn in southern Vigo county. Besides music, Barbara loved to camp. She and Nathan and their children spent many weekends camping with a special group of friends who are loved to this day. Stories of this group’s vacation trip to Florida in 1971 still brings much laughter, even after all these years. As grandchildren began to arrive Barbara embraced the role of grandmother. She loved her grandchildren and was always ready to play a game of Uno or take them to a movie. She spent many hours supporting them in their endeavors, and you would often see her in the stands at sporting events or in the audience at band concerts, choir concerts, dance recitals and school programs cheering them on.

Her children would like to thank Doddie McClure and Daniel Woodsmall for their faithful help over the past two and a half years. Thanks also to Phyllis, Sarah, Katrina, Jennifer, Kim and

Teresa for their help over the past few months and to Angie of Hospice of the Wabash Valley. It is only with the help of all of these people that Barbara was able to continue living at home.

Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Friday December 10th at the church. Funeral services will be at 11am Saturday December 11th at DeBaun Funeral Home - Springhill with pastor Ben Wetherington officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery.