Barbara Atkinson

TERRE HAUTE – Barbara Jo Anderson Atkinson of Terre Haute, formerly of Sullivan, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2020 at Meadows Manor East in Terre Haute.  

Barbara was born to Merlin Anderson and Betty Brown Anderson on January 16, 1946 in Vincennes.  Barbara was the oldest of the Anderson brood of six.  Raised in Bicknell, Indiana, Barbara—known as Jo to her siblings—would be a compassionate caregiver and leader for her family.  This trait continued throughout her life. 

Barbara wed her sweetheart, Howard Atkinson, on September 12, 1964, after a courtship that began in 1958.  They were married over 55 years and raised four children.  She and Howard raised Suzanne, Chris, Robert, and Amy in Sullivan, Indiana.  Her children were truly her pride and joy.  Barbara taught her children common sense, equality, the desire to learn, to enjoy life, but most of all, to love unconditionally.  

Barbara graduated at the top of the Bicknell Class of 1963.  She attended Indiana State College out of high school, but it wasn’t until later in life that she would graduate with her degree.  Barbara graduated in 2006 from Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in business administration.  She went on to graduate school but was unable to complete her master’s due to a family obligation.  Graduating from college was a goal she always aspired to, and achieving it was a very proud moment for her.  

Barbara was very involved in the Sullivan County 4-H in the early 1970s as a 4-H leader and she taught 4-H sewingfor many more years.  Barbara was a very active member of Sullivan Tri-Kappa.  She organized many projects and events for this philanthropic organization, but one of her most cherished project was the Sullivan Tri Kappa Cookbook that she organized, typed, and had bound in 1983. This cookbook is still a favorite to many in the community.  

Barbara’s passion was cooking for her family and friends.  A home-cooked meal was never a miss at the family table.  Not only was she a fabulous cook but an adventuresome one, too, who kept Howard happy with his desire to try new recipes and foods.  There was never a disappointing meal,even if she had to pull a dinner together with not much in the fridge.  She could make anything out of nothing!

Barbara worked in the family business, Atkinson Ice, from the 1973 until 1994.  After the business closed, Barbara received her realtor’s license and sold homes in the Wabash Valley for over five years.  In 1999, she went to work for GE Aviation (formally Tri-Industries) in the HR department.  With Barbara’s background, this was a perfect fit to finish out her working career.  Barbara retired from GE in March 2016.  

Unfortunately, Barbara’s golden years were not meant to be. Barbara started exhibiting signs of dementia and was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  This terrible disease showed no mercy and took its toll on her mental andphysical state. But she never lost her smile and that roll of her eyes at Howard!

Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Howard Atkinson (June 2, 2020); her parents, Merlin and Betty Anderson; her in-laws, James and Lucille Atkinson; and sister, Charlotte Anderson.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Suzanne (Troy) Atkinson-Helt (Terre Haute); her sons, James (Kelly) Christian Howard Atkinson (Sullivan) and William Robert Matthew Atkinson (Sullivan); and her daughter, Amy (Bill) Atkinson Samm (Evansville).  She was Bibi to 10 loving grandchildren, Rachel Helt, Anna Atkinson, Olivia Atkinson, Abigail Atkinson, William Atkinson, McKenzie Atkinson, Jacob Samm, Katelyn Atkinson, Margaret Samm, and Emily Samm.  She is survived by brothers, Donald (Paula) Anderson, Mike (Judy) Anderson, and sisters, Denise (Steve) Cofer, and Marilyn (Bryce) Waggoner.  

Private family services will be held at Unity Presbyterian Church on September 12, 2020.  Entombment will be at a later date in the Center Ridge Mausoleum in Sullivan, Indiana.  The family requests in lieu of flowers please make donations to Unity Presbyterian Church, 1207 East Springhill Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802 or to Alzheimer’s Association of America. 

A celebration of life will be held at Suzanne’s home, 175 South Lakeview Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47803 on September 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Parking and shuttle services will be at Terre Haute Baptist Church, 4701 Poplar Street, Terre Haute (no parking at the residence please.)  The family extends this invitation to all family members, friends, classmates, past employees, work cohorts, and church family.  Please let a family member know if you will be able to attend.  Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Greiner Funeral Home.  

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