Barbara Ellen Unger, 90, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 2:50 am, Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. She was born on November 1, 1934, in Wabash, to John and Ethel (Snell) Grim.
Barb graduated from LaFontaine High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, George L. Unger, on January 3, 1953, at the Lincolnville United Methodist Church; he preceded her in death on June 1, 1996, after 43 years of marriage. While her children were in school, Barb was the secretary at W.C. Mills Elementary School. For many years, Barb was the area coordinator for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and was a KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) for forty-four years, but her favorite job was being a mom and a grandma. Barb was a 55-year member of Church of Our Savior United Methodist Church, Wabash, Indiana, before its closure, and made many new friends while attending LaFontaine Christian Church, her faith was extremely important to her. Reading was an everyday occurrence – her favorite authors were Colleen Coble, Debbie McCumber and Danielle Steel. She’d usually read 75 or more books in a year and sometimes read Colleen Coble’s books multiple times. She enjoyed people, especially loved to be a helping hand to others, however Barb’s passion in life was her family.
She is survived by her children, John Irvin (Jane) Unger and George Steven (Jennifer) Unger, both of Wabash, and Jeanne E. (Keith) Longsworth of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren, Jessica Harris of Fort Wayne, George (Kristin) Unger, Calvin (Abby) Unger, and Kayla (Daniel) Copeland, all of Wabash; brother, Sherman (Ellie) Grim, as well as 12 great-grandchildren. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Chaplain Michael Deeter and Brad Wright officiating. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery.
Preferred memorial is LaFontaine Christian Church.
The memorial guest book for Barbara may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
