Barbara M. Waltz

SERVICES: 1:00 p.m. Monday May 6, 2013 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Brian Solomon FINAL RESTING PLACE: Rest Haven Cemetery Edinburgh, IN VISITATION: 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home Barbara Merry Hagemier Waltz passed away peacefully with family by her side at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at her beloved lake front home. Born March 13, 1939, in Mitchell, Indiana, Barbara was the daughter of Orland R. and Josephine D. (Hicks) Merry. She married Paul Waltz July 26, 1989. Barbara's life was blessed with abundant friendships, exciting adventures, a loving, devoted family and bountiful success. She graduated in 1957 from Huron High School. It was during her senior trip to Washington, D.C., that she discovered a love of travel and adventure she would enjoy her entire life. Barbara was independent, multitalented and hardworking. She was not afraid of new or difficult challenges. As a young woman she balanced her career as a butcher at Fritchie's Country Market with the demands of motherhood. One of her favorite joys as a parent was attending her children's many sports and tournament games. Barbara was always curious and never limited by traditional roles; she would later become a founding partner in D&D Pallet Corporation. She journeyed many paths and was open to new experiences. Always eager to learn, she mastered many skills including auto sales, dog grooming, and landscaping. She is said to have baked the best apple dumplings in the world. Barbara was eager to be involved in the lives of those she loved and was instrumental in helping many family and friends achieve their dreams in education, business, and life. Barbara was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus. She never really retired and was a volunteer at Columbus Regional Hospital for many years. She remained a valuable resource and inspiration to many. Through her encouragement and support many friends, family, and especially her children, found professional success. One of her greatest joys in life was traveling with her family, discovering new places and sharing time with her grandchildren. Barbara will always be remembered for her courage, joy for life, and endless energy. She will be dearly missed. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Norman, and a sister, Imogene. She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Waltz; her three children, Terry Hagemier (Penny) of Hope, Kris Rose (Dennis) of Columbus, and Tami Hagemier (Chris Lanthier) of Madison; and her two grandchildren, Tanner Hagemier (Courtney) of Hope and Nichole Rose (fiancé Eric Freeman) of New Albany. Brothers and sisters surviving include Eugene Merry (Rosie) of Mitchell, Frances Merry (Gayla) of Orleans, Donald Merry of Bedford, Shirley Smith Tujunga of California, Doris Flath of Bloomfield, Darlene Sullivan (Gary) of Mitchell and Kathy Wineinger of French Lick. Barbara is also survived by several wonderful stepchildren, Paul Jr. Waltz (Terri), Patty Smith (Adrian), and Steve Waltz, and four stepgrandchildren, Ashton and Zachery Smith and Chris and Amanda Waltz. Numerous adored nieces and nephews also survive.

Barbara M. Waltz

March 13, 1939 - May 6, 2013