Barbara E. Plampin

1928 - 2025

Barbara E. Plampin

Dec 1, 1928 - Aug 10, 2025

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

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

On December 21, 1961, in Chicago, IL, she married the love of her life, Geoffrey Christopher Michael Plampin, who preceded her in death on February 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, IL and Christopher Charles Wykes Plampin, his wife, loving daughter-in-law, Marta Violetta Plampin of Fort Myers FL; her treasured grandson, Christopher Jan Plampin of Madison, WI; her dear friend and co-botanical explorer, Myrna Newgent; Friend; caregiver, Christine Josleyn of Chesterton, IN; her favorite cousins, Roger I. Wykes II and Dawn Holloway of Ann Arbor, MI, Laurie Goodman of Connecticut, Leslie Miller and her daughter Mallory of Connecticut, and Duncan Scott of Connecticut; her nephew, Randyl Plampin of California; and by her nieces from Atlanta, Laura, Adrienne, and Ann.

Barbara graduated from Santa Fe (NM) 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, August 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann of the Dunes, 433 Golf Wood Rd, Beverly Shores, IN, 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, August 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, or St. Ann of the Dunes, 433 Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN 46301.

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

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.