Barbara Blaschke

Barbara Ann Blaschke was the kind of woman who could face any challenge head on. She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother whose compassion and loyalty was felt by all who knew her. Always thinking of others, Barbara could bring a smile to the face of a loved one in an instant with her kindness and affection. A true entertainer and social butterfly, she lived her life to see happiness in others.

It was the summer of 1936 when Barbara's story began, in Columbus, Indiana. Although Americans were struggling amidst the Great Depression, Lawrence and Dorothea (Joslin) Garrison were able to find joy in their lives, with the birth of their daughter, Barbara, on the third of June that year. Barbara grew up in Hope, Indiana, and went to school in Indianapolis and Mooresville. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, a skill which blossomed many long lasting friendships.

One friendship that would turn out to change her life greatly was her bond with Thelma Blaschke, who would one day become her sister-in-law. Barbara was introduced to Thelma's brother, Duane, at a slumber party. Although the two were still quite young, they knew right away that they were meant to be together. After dating for some time, the couple fell even deeper in love, and were married on June 28, 1957.

Barbara and Duane began their new life together in Martinsville, where they owned the Royal Motel. This suited Barbara perfectly since her strength was in hospitality and seeing that everyone had exactly what they needed. This would also be the place where the couple would raise their four beautiful children, William, Julie, Cathy, and Richard. Barbara was a fantastic mother who loved to cook and was a proud homemaker. She never hesitated to go the extra mile to make her children happy, while teaching them lessons of honesty, loyalty, and kindness.

As their children grew up and began to leave home, Barbara and Duane decided to sell the Royal Motel. Barbara took a big step in her life by choosing to go back to school later in life, and proudly graduated from the Indiana Business College at the age of 55. She then found employment at American United Life, where she would work for ten rewarding years. Constantly eager for the next obstacle in her life, Barbara was always up for a challenge.

Barbara loved to shop and go out to dinner, making friends everywhere she went. She loved to travel and take trips with all of her children and grandchildren, making new memories each step of the way. Alaska was one of her favorite travel destinations, but she loved to see new places as well. Even with her adventurous spirit, Barbara also enjoyed coming home to her loving family. In her free time, Barbara played cards or other games--anything that would allow her to be social with the people she cared about.

Holidays were a special time for Barbara, when she took such joy in spoiling her grandchildren with Snickerdoodle cookies or their other favorite treats. She never forgot a birthday, and would take each grandchild out to a dinner of their choice and to pick out a present. The generosity she showed her family was greatly appreciated by all, and each of her grandchildren respected and adored her.

Retiring at the age of 65, Barbara was able to spend even more time with family and friends. Her friendship with Thelma, who became her sister-in-law so many years ago, lasted a lifetime. Barbara and Duane even decided with Thelma and her husband Harold to move into condominiums next to each other, continuing their lasting bond with plans to enjoy retirement together.

Barbara had recently been diagnosed with cancer, but was thought to have many more years to enjoy her life with her loved ones. Despite what doctors told her, Barbara sadly died unexpectedly on August 29, 2008. She will be deeply missed.

Throughout her life, Barbara Ann Blaschke was a rock to her family--always there when she was needed. She was a woman of thoughtfulness and compassion who lived her life in the service of others. A loving woman and a good person, Barbara's legacy will live on in her family and in the memories they created together.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Duane Blaschke; sons, William Blaschke (Jennifer) of Camby and Richard Blaschke (Sondra) of Gosport; daughters, Julie Pinkus (Irving) of Carmel and Cathy Stegemoller (Brian) of Brownsburg; brother, William Garrison (Betty) of Franklin; 14 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather on Monday, September 1, 2008, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2008, in the funeral chapel with Richard Throckmorton officiating. Interment will follow in West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Martinsville Senior Center or to the Community Foundation of Morgan County.