Barbara Jean Wallace

Barbara Jean (Elpers) Wallace passed peacefully in her sleep May 28, 2025. She was born in Evansville, Indiana May 31,1940 to Herman C. and Emily Elpers (Kockritz) and grew up on her family's small farm in Darmstadt, Indiana. The youngest of five children, Barbara was preceded in death by sisters Doris and Alice, and brothers Lawrence (affectionately called Bunny) and Johnny. She is survived by her six children, Lisa Wallace of Littleton, Colorado, Kenny (Colleen) Wallace of Winfield, Illinois, Jimmy (Lisa) Wallace of Princeton, Indiana, Tim Wallace of Thailand, Lori Lewis (Dave) of Greencastle, Indiana and Chris Wallace of Edison Park, Illinois; and by her sister-in-law, Barbara Jo Elpers. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a proud WestSider and an even prouder graduate of Evansville Mater Dei, Class of 1958. If we only had a nickel for every time she said, "West Side is the best side!" She was a wonderful homemaker who knew her way around the kitchen and often sewed Halloween costumes and other outfits for her children. Barbara was also a longtime parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Princeton, IN.
In the mid 1970's Barbara worked at the family business - Princeton Appliance and Furniture in Princeton, Indiana before transitioning to Dr. Linda Nuehoff's office in Princeton for 25 years. She was Dr. Nuehoff's initial hire and loved her time there before retiring at the age of 70. Barbara loved to walk and spend time with her friends and she was able to travel to many favorite spots around the Midwest, West and East Coast after retirement. She stayed in contact with her Mater Dei classmates and often met them in Evansville for lunch and joined them on trips to Shipshewana, Indiana. In the early 2000's, she toured Europe on multiple occasions when her son, Tim, was stationed in Germany. Barbara loved shopping in antique and thrift stores. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and checking in on her children and grandchildren.
Visitation for Barbara will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Ziemer Funeral Home North Chapel, 6300 N. First Ave., Evansville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vanderburgh County, 6202 W. St. Joseph Rd., Evansville with Father Gene Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2500 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville.
A special note of gratitude is extended to Anchor of Hope Hospice of Indianapolis and the staff at the Harrison Senior Living for their incredible support throughout this process.