Eaton, IN

Barbara Jean DeWees, 80, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at The Woodlands of Muncie with her family by her side.

Barbara was born in Houstonville, Kentucky on November 20, 1936 to Aaron and Lula (Statom) True. She attended Laurel High School and married Cecil DeWees on April 10, 1954 in Carthage, Indiana. Together they would have four children and raise their family in Eaton, Indiana.

Barbara worked for RCA, GE, and Sheller Globe but she is probably most well-known for being the "Fluoride Lady" at Eaton Elementary where she also volunteered in the Kindergarten.

She attended Old Town Hill Baptist Church and participated in Prophet Sunday School.

Barbara belonged to the Lady Bug Red Hats and enjoyed camping, fishing, attending auctions and rummage sales, collecting dolls, but most of all spending time with her family. In addition to volunteering at the Eaton Senior Citizens Center, Barbara babysat for many families in the Eaton area and many children called her "Maw".

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Cecil DeWees; their children: Diana Stapleton, Gary DeWees, Bruce DeWees (Diana), and Bobbie Goe (Kyle); her brother, Jim True (Marcella); eight grandchildren: Timothy Stapleton (Sally), Kimberly Stapleton, Bruce DeWees Jr. (Bridget), Cecil DeWees (Laura), Cory DeWees, Kyle DeWees (Elizabeth), Austin Goe (Jacy), and Brittany Goe; eight great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews and her dog, Tippy.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings: Evelyn VanDyke, Charles True, Betty Russell, Ida Knott, Tommy True, Lydia Belle True, Kay True and Auda Helen Tevis; a son-in-law, Alan Stapleton and a daughter-in-law, Debra DeWees.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, Old Town Hill Baptist Church, 3000 S. Burlington Drive, Muncie, Indiana, with Pastor Bruce Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Eaton Union Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton and from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Wednesday at the church.

St. Jude Children's Hospital was very important to Barbara. For many years she supported the hospital in any way she could, including organizing the St. Jude Bike Marathon in Eaton. Memorials may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, 5353 McFarland Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227.