Barbara Jane Drifmeyer

RICHMOND, Ind. – At the amazing age of 91, Barbara Jane Drifmeyer, of Richmond, Indiana, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Barbara was born on February 16, 1926, in Plymouth, Indiana, to Fred and Faye Day Osborn. She graduated from Marion High School with Salutatorian honors in 1944. Barbara attended Indiana Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Upon graduation, she met her first husband, Perry C. Mills. Together they had a daughter, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy”, born in 1950, while living in Marion, Indiana. After Perry’s untimely death, Barbara met Robert P. “Bob” Drifmeyer and moved to Richmond. They were married in 1959 and had two daughters, Pamela Jane and Patricia Joan “Patty”. While raising Betsy in Marion, Barbara was the Court Reporter for Judge Cain in Grant County. Upon marrying Bob, she was the Freelance Court Reporter in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Barbara was a former member of the Optimisses, Secretary of Young Republicans, RHS Band Booster Co-President, part of the board of the Richmond Widowed Persons Services, and a Study Buddy mentor. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and belonged to their Sewing Circle. Barbara also sponsored a young man in Haiti named, Johnsley, through the Nehemiah Vision Ministries School. Barbara was one of a kind. She always knew her goals and was eager to conquer them. Barbara was very proud of her court reporting career and was a master at short-hand. One of her favorite hobbies was sewing and she created masterpieces for her grandchildren to wear. Barbara was an ever-glowing presence in her grandchildren’s lives and offered sound advice for her daughters, family, and friends. She also had a passion for Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen. Survivors include her daughters, Pam (Jeff) Kettler of Richmond and Patty (Andy) Conrad of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren who were graced with her love, Robert Sibert of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Abigail Jane (fiancé, Michael Freese) Kettler of Brownsburg, Indiana, Alyssa Kettler (Shane) Shaffer of Bloomington, Indiana, Aaron Kettler of Richmond, and Olivia Conrad (Stephen) Lindley and Mary and Drew Conrad, all of Indianapolis; three great-grandchildren who were blessed with her love, Alexis Smith and Chase (Barbie) Smith, all of Virginia Beach, and little Evelyn Shaffer of Bloomington; son-in-law, Joe (Diane) Sibert of Indianapolis; dear niece, Jean Anne Neeman of Indianapolis; and many more family and friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Perry C. Mills; second husband, Robert P. Drifmeyer; daughter, Betsy Sibert; granddaughter, Barbara “Barbie” Penninger; grandson, Matthew Conrad; parents; sisters, Betty Marburger and Joanna Picket; brother, George Osborn; and nephews, Bud Marburger and James Picket. Barbara Jane will be greatly missed, but we know the celebration day with her dearly beloved ones and Lord is above all else, unimaginably beautiful. Her wisdom, strength, and love were unparalleled. We love you and will miss you, Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. “See you later, Alligator.” Visitation for Barbara Jane Drifmeyer will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Additional visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 121 South 18th Street, Richmond. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Meckley officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: March of Dimes, Indiana Chapter, 136 East Market Street, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or American Cancer Society, Wayne County Unit, 5635 West 96th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Jane Drifmeyer

February 16, 1926 - May 18, 2017