Barbara Houchins Conrey

Barbara Houchins Conrey, 89, beloved daughter, friend, and mother of New Harmony, Indiana, born August 24, 1935, to Earl and Helen (Yarbor) Houchins, passed away, Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
She lived most of her life in Posey County, Indiana. Barbara was an amateur historian, an avid collector of country antiques, and a lover of animals, especially good dogs. Her passion for books, literature, and writing was a constant throughout her life. Among the many joys she found, none were more fulfilling than exploring the back roads of Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Kentucky in search of unique, rustic antiques. Each discovery was a treasure, a piece of history that brought her immeasurable joy, and she took great pride in uncovering these hidden gems. This love for antiques led her to open Tabby Cat Antiques in New Harmony, Indiana, where she and a close friend curated a shop filled with the stories of the past. The joy of sharing these treasures with others, of helping others find what they were searching for, was a reflection of Barbara's generous spirit and deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship.
In addition to raising her children and caring for her family, Barbara had a rich professional and volunteer life. After graduating high school, she worked for Superior Oil and Mead Johnson. In the 1970s, she helped her husband, Norman, start Wabash Valley Electric and later assisted him in establishing Conrey Oil. Throughout it all, Barbara was an active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, where she served with devotion as both eucharistic minister and lector in the church she loved deeply. In the early 1980s, she became an enthusiastic participant in the St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Women's External Degree Program, further reflecting her love of learning.
Barbara retired after a distinguished career with Mead Johnson/Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she worked for a total of 20 years. After her retirement, she continued to enjoy time with her family at their cottage on Lake Barkley, Kentucky, where she would often spend hours, sitting with her mother, Helen, on the front porch, savoring the view with a good book, a warm cup of coffee, and perhaps a slice of Shaker lemon pie by her side. In 2005-06, she considered it a great privilege to assist Mrs. Jane Owen in the writing of her memoir, "Like a River not a Lake".
Barbara was a devoted friend to many and poured her heart into those she loved, animals and humans alike. Like many mothers, her greatest joy came from her family. She took immense pride and found deep happiness in watching her children and extended family grow. One of the highlights of her later years was a memorable trip to Ireland with her daughters, Laura and Amy, and her granddaughter, Maya Helen.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 66 years: Norman Paul Conrey and a brother: David Houchins.
Surviving are her sons: Michael and Patrick Conrey; daughters: Laura Conrey Bohler (Nick) and Amy Conrey Andreas; grandchildren: Liam Conrey Bohler and Maya Helen Andreas and beloved nieces and nephews.
A "Celebration of Life" Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in New Harmony, Indiana with Visitation starting at 9 a.m. Burial to follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Griffin, Indiana.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at the Werry Funeral Home in New Harmony, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: NewLife Rescue & Adoption, 6500 Leonard Road N., Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com