Barbara E. Plampin

Barbara E. Plampin, age 96, of Dune Acres, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Dec. 1, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Roger I. Wykes Jr. and Marjorie (Mallory) Wykes, both of whom preceded her in death.

On Dec. 21, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, she married the love of her life, Geoffrey Christopher Michael Plampin, who preceded her in death on Feb. 28, 2004.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Nancy Joan Wykes.

She is survived by her loving sons, John Joseph Wykes Plampin of Chicago, Illinois, and Christopher Charles Wykes Plampin, his wife, loving daughter-in-law, Marta Violetta Plampin of Fort Myers, Florida; her treasured grandson, Christopher Jan Plampin of Madison, Wisconsin; her dear friend and co-botanical explorer, Myrna Newgent; friend and caregiver, Christine Josleyn of Chesterton, Indiana; her favorite cousins, Roger I. Wykes II and Dawn Holloway of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Laurie Goodman of Connecticut, Leslie Miller of Connecticut and Duncan Miller of Connecticut; her nephew, Randyl Plampin of California; and by her nieces from Atlanta, Laura, Adrienne and Ann.

Barbara graduated from Santa Fe (New Mexico) High School ('46), the University of New Mexico (AB '50, AM '52), PhD in English, University of Michigan ('58). She taught English at the University of Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology for many happy years. She had a second career as a botanist for the Indiana Dunes National Park and was a director of the Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary. As well as a life director of the Shirley Heinz Land Trust. Barbara was a devoted member of St. Ann of the Dunes though she preferred hymns from before 1800.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann of the Dunes, 433 Golf Wood Rd., Beverly Shores, Indiana, with Father Jon Plavcan officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A reception will follow at the Dune Acres clubhouse.

Burial will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the Cascade Township Cemetery (Grand Rapids Michigan area).

Memorial donations in honor of Barbara may be given to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, 109 W. 700 North, Valparaiso, IN 46385, and St. Ann of the Dunes, 433 Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, Indiana 46301.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, Indiana.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneral home.com.