Barbara Elaine Tuttle

Barbara Tuttle, 73, passed away on October 1, 2024, in Carmel, IN. Barbara was born on September 8, 1951, in Erie, PA, to her loving parents, Seth Bemis Tuttle and Elizabeth (Betty Jane) Tuttle. Barbara graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 1969 and went on to earn an elementary education degree with a kindergarten endorsement from Anderson University in 1993.

Barabara and her siblings were raised on the family farm in South Harborcreek, which was in the family for two centuries. This humble beginning gave her a great work ethic and a love for nature. Barb’s love for people allowed her to make many friends throughout her life. Two such childhood friends, Linda and Claudia, remained friends with Barbara for over 60 years.

Barbara’s love for children was evident throughout her life. She started her career as a teacher at Park Place Children in 1978 and went on to work there for 15 years. She then moved to Mountain Park Church of God in Chandler, Arizona as the children’s pastor where she oversaw Christian Education for thousands of children over the years. It was here at Mountain Park Community Church, where Barb was ordained a pastor of the Church of God, Anderson, IN on May 31, 1998. The Lord called her back to Anderson where she became a children’s pastor and director of Park Place Children’s Center from 2009 – 2019. Barb retired from her many years of service in 2019.

Barbara was best known for her love of people, sense of humor, and her faithfulness to the Lord. Life wasn’t always easy, but she never lost her positive spirit. She enjoyed traveling throughout her life and made many trips across the country to see family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her long-time best friend Terri Coe, her brothers: Seth (Bev) Tuttle, Mark (Emily) Tuttle, Wayne (Sonya)Tuttle, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great niece. Her family meant the world to her, and she was always encouraging, hospitable, and a prayer warrior on their behalf.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Elizabeth Tuttle, and her brother, Gary Tuttle.

Services for Barbara will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 2pm at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN. Visitation hours will be from 12pm – 2pm at the church.

Burial will take place at Wales Cemetery in Greene Township, Pennsylvania.

Memorial donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the following organizations: (a) a church children’s ministry of the donor’s choice; (b) Children of Promise, an outreach ministry that meets the needs of children and families in 30 countries through nutrition, education, healthcare, and discipleship programs. For more information, go to the website: www.childrenofpromise.global; or, (c) Park Place Church of God, Anderson, IN for their outreach work with Pink Door in Berlin, Germany, that offers individualized support to women affected by sexual exploitation.