Barbara A. Henley

Barbara A Henley, went to be with our Lord and Savior on August 8, 2021. Born November 21, 1952 to Joe Z Linton and Ruth E Linton in Fort Sill, Oklahoma she traveled the world with her Army father until 1966. They moved to Indiana. Barbara attended John Marshall High School (Class of 1971), Indiana University where she earned her primary education and later her Master’s degrees.
She worked her first five years as an elementary teacher at IPS school 113. She then joined MSD Warren Township and continued teaching elementary school at Lowell Elementary. She retired in 2011 after 35 years as a first and second grade teacher. Throughout the years she was known as the ‘Dinosaur lady’ for her involvement with educating students about dinosaurs. She had first-hand knowledge helping the Indianapolis Children’s Museum on multiple ‘dinosaur digs’ in South Dakota. She also was involved in a Starlab project with Lowell students. In 2013 she began substitute teaching, again at Lowell Elementary until October 2019.
Always a prolific volunteer she would help Indy East Rotary club fundraise at both the Speedway races and Lucas Oil Stadium events. Whether serving food or bussing tables she was the most active volunteer of all non-Rotarians and some Rotarians too. Her efforts provided scholarships for Warren Township Schools seniors and shoes for middle schoolers. She volunteered for events at Lowell Elementary fundraisers as well. On July 1, 2021 she received the coveted Paul Harris Fellow award for her many volunteer hours with Rotary International. At Otterbein United Methodist Church she was always volunteering at VBS functions, church management and operation of the thrift clothing store for many years.
Barbara’s real pride and joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Taking them swimming or attending their plays or concerts was her delight.
Barbara had a long and loving relationship with our Lord and Savior. Service to His Kingdom was at the forefront of her daily activities. She believes the prayers of her many friends is what gave her a 10 month extension in her cancer battle. Thank you.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 39 years, Don Henley, her mother, Ruth Linton, daughter Angela Hawtin (Tim), sons Joel Doan (Erin), Jonathon Henley and Shane Groves. Grandchildren, Joey Doan, Nathaniel Strawmyer, Tylor Strawmyer, Dylan Strawmyer, Patrick Doan, Victoria Doan, Joshua Hawtin and Arianna Hawtin. Two great grandchildren Lucas & Leo Strawmyer. She was preceded in death by her father.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Otterbein United Methodist Church, 5009 E 21st Street. Showing 2-4 p.m. Funeral at 4 p.m. Catering follows in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 5009 E 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218.