Barbara Jane Culbertson Lebo

RICHMOND, IN– With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Barbara Jane Culbertson Lebo, 77, on March 1, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after a brief and unexpected illness. Barbara was born on January 20, 1948, to Alvin “Buck” and Audrey Moore Culbertson. She grew up in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating from Belmont High School, she had the unique opportunity to assist Phil Donahue with his original Dayton radio talk show. In her young adult years, Barbara also worked at Dunn Mental Health Center where she met her husband of 48 years, Michael Lebo. In 1985, she established two programs for latchkey children in Richmond, Indiana. Her passion and commitment to children earned her the Outstanding Professional Human Services Worker award in 1986, recognizing her exceptional dedication to the children she served. In 1989 Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and spent the next 20 years as a much-loved counselor and elementary school teacher in Preble County, Ohio. She found great joy in teaching, and her students adored her warm, encouraging nature and creative spirit. Beyond her professional life, Barbara was a voracious reader, a skilled painter, and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was also a lover of nature who found great joy in watching birds, raccoons, squirrels, deer, and wild turkeys from her back deck. She was a warm, affectionate, loving, perceptive, gracious, generous, and fun-loving person who could also be feisty, quirky, and unconventional. She greatly enjoyed traveling, camping, and beach vacations. Barbara’s life was guided by her deep love and pride for her family and friends. Her home was always filled with laughter, kindness, and a welcoming presence that made everyone feel at ease. The sound of her voice brought joy, comfort, and positivity to everyone around her. Barbara will be deeply missed by her husband, Michael Lebo, PhD, their devoted daughter Beth Lebo Darrah, and Barbara’s two beloved grandsons, Ian and Cole Darrah who brought her endless happiness and laughter. She is also survived by her cherished mother, Audrey Culbertson, age 98, her lifelong best friend, Barbara Thornes, her dear sisters Sharon Culbertson and Laura Culbertson Mastores, Laura’s husband Scott Mastores, their adored daughter Katie Grace, as well as her sisters-in-law Deborah Browning Schimek, Margaret Lebo White and her husband Norman Hill White. In addition, Barbara will be missed by her nieces and nephews Heather, Kristin, Marisa, Jamison and Alaysia. Barbara’s kindness, wisdom, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Visitation for Barbara J. Lebo will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Earlham Cemetery. In her honor, donations may be made to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald TN, (www.elephants.com), a cause close to Barbara’s heart. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Jane Culbertson Lebo

January 20, 1948 - March 1, 2025