Barbara Kuhlman

Ind. – Barbara Kuhlman, long known for her beautiful handcrafted ceramic birds, watercolor painting and sense of humor, died August 19, 2023, in Richmond, Indiana. She was 100. Barbara loved many things in life – family, animals, gardening, cooking, art of many varieties – and in between was always up for chocolate ice cream and a coffee. She maintained that she had a special connection with her only great grandson, Luca Hill, and was proud to be the one to share his life’s very first ice cream experience (chocolate, of course). She loved the coffee shop lifestyle, people watching and talking with friends. At every chance possible she loved to defy the expectations of older people, making sly jokes and leaving people wondering if she really knew what she was saying. She did! Barbara was highly intelligent, and above all else a practical person, so that meant not wasting time being offended by the culture of the times. Although she grew up as more of a “city girl,” Barbara became a great lover of nature and animals. She was well known for her large garden, endless knowledge of wildlife and plants, and was the best cook. She was once asked what her favorite cat was, and she proceeded to list every cat she’d known in the past 100 years. Barbara was a smart, independent and highly creative woman educated at Principia College in a time when it was not nearly as common for women to earn degrees. She maintained a lifelong interest in reading and learning and was never afraid to teach herself to become a master at anything she desired. You could ask her anything and she would either have an answer or a funny comment. In 100 years, she experienced decades of progress and was thoughtful in saying the most important event of her lifetime was the invention of birth control. Barbara loved her family and friends, often being the caretaker for anyone in need. She always knew what to do and did what needed to be done. Born November 17, 1922, in Jackson, Michigan, to Franklin Soloman Dickinson and Magdaline Mary Burkhardt Dickinson, Barbara was a lifelong resident of this community. Survivors include her daughter, Susan Kuhlman; son, David F. and his wife Kathy Kuhlman; grandchildren, Sara Hill and Karen Kuhlman; great grandson, Luca Hill; nieces; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Kuhlman, whom she married in 1951; parents; and sisters, Joan Levinson and Mary Louise Currier. The Memorial Visitation for Barbara Kuhlman will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. A private funeral service will be held later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers please donate to: Audubon Society, Nature Conservation, or Sierra Club. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Kuhlman

November 17, 1922 - August 19, 2023