Barbara Smith

Barbara Louise Smith of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on December 24, 2017, at the age of 81. Born March 25, 1936, to Opal and Lawrence Hoffman, she grew up on Riley Avenue on Indianapolis’ near east side and graduated from Saint Agnes High School. She worked briefly at WFBM TV (now WRC-TV) before marrying Charles Andrus “Andy” Smith in 1956. 

After her four children reached school age, Barbara worked at a Paul Harris clothing store, at Eastridge Elementary School as a library aide, at L.S. Ayres for many years, and finally at Ethan Allen Furniture. 

Barbara was an avid sports fan, rooting especially for the Cubs, Colts, and Pacers (often with a dry martini in her hand). Her devotion to fashion was unwavering and she never left the house without being immaculately dressed and tastefully accessorized.

Barbara is survived by her four beloved children, Lisa, Michael, Karen, and Julie, as well as four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her cherished lap dog Yoda. She was preceded in death by her former husband and a grandson, Chad Briner. 

Visitation will take place Friday, December 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan Oaklawn Memorial Garden, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. This will be followed by a brief interment ceremony at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery & Mausoleum, 9001 Haverstick Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital or the Indianapolis Humane Society.