Barbara Skala

1946 - 2025

Barbara Skala

Jan 12, 1946 - Aug 25, 2025

Barbara Skala age 79 of Ogden Dunes, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 with her family by her side.

Barbara was born January 12, 1946, in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, to Nikola and Jagoda Sever. After World War II, the family moved to Gary, IN, when her father, Nikola, was discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps. She attended Gary Public Schools from kindergarten through her graduation from Horace Mann High School. Barbara then went on to Indiana University in Bloomington and later completed her nursing degree at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.

On May 23, 1987 Barbara married the love of her life and soul mate Frank Skala. They spent six years living in California before returning to make their home in Ogden Dunes, IN. More recently, they enjoyed winters together at their second home in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Barbara was a lifelong church member of St. Sava and supporting member of the St. Sava Kolo, St. Sava Choir and previous member of the St. Sava Historical society. Frank and Barbara are devoted supporters of the children in Serbia through Lifeline Chicago. Inspired by her own joyful experiences at St. Sava Camp in Libertyville, IL, she extended her generosity to help sponsor a camp in Serbia for children from orphanages as well as those living in Kosovo.

During her professional career she was vice president of nursing at several hospitals in California and Indiana. She was also the team nurse of the Oakland Raiders Football team.

Barbara took great pride in being a Teta to her nieces and nephew and had a strong and positive influence on their lives and her Kumovi lives

Barbara is proceeded in death by her parents Nikola and Jagoda. Survived by her husband Frank Skala, sister Ruth Ann Sever, brother Dan (Linda) and brother Nick ( elanie) along with her nephew Brent, and nieces Tasha, Brianna and Brooke. She will be missed by family, Kumovi and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville from 9 AM to 11 AM. With Funeral Services beginning at 11 AM V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating entombment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Church, Lifeline Chicago or charity of your choice. www.lifelinechicago.org Lifeline Chicago, 401 N Michigan Ave. Suite 1200 – 1092, Chicago, IL 60611; St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.