Barbara A. Thomas

Barbara A. Thomas

On January 14, 2023, Barbara Ann Thomas died peacefully at the age of 87 in Fishers, IN.

Barbara was born on February 1, 1935 to Finley and Alpha Fisler, younger sister to Louise Fisler Cooper.  She graduated from Bay View High School with honors in 1952, and then went to the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, graduating with honors in elementary education.  During her teaching career, she taught in several schools in WI, IA, WV, and an international school in Shiraz, Iran.  She pursued post-graduate studies in numerous university workshops in behavioral psychology, and instructional techniques in math and science.

She was married to her college sweetheart, John A. Thomas, on June 22, 1957.  Barbara is survived by John; her son, Michael and his wife, Dori Thomas (Durham, NC); and her daughter, Jane, and her husband Scott Hoover (Carmel, IN).  She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Alex Thomas and his wife, Erica (Washington, D.C.), Annemarie Thomas (Chicago, IL), Matthew Hoover (Carmel IN), and Lauren Hoover (Des Moines, IA).

Barbara enjoyed traveling, and visited over 50 countries, including Antarctica.  Bicycling and cross-country skiing were enjoyed by her entire family.  She was an excellent swimmer, and enjoyed synchronized swimming in college.  She was an avid reader, and recorded books on audio for the blind, and tutored children with reading disorders.  She enjoyed participation in book clubs, and often had recommendations for her friends who asked her if she had read any good books lately.  

She served as a volunteer with many organizations, including the Women’s Service League Morgantown, WV and as an assistant for the Food Pantry and Homeless Shelter in San Antonio, TX.  Barbara served as President of the Faculty Wives organization at West Virginia University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and was a member of the American Association of University Women, and volunteered for a various of non-profit organizations.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church (Noblesville, IN).  

Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary (Fishers, IN) was entrusted with Barbara's care. Inurnment will be at the Oak Grove Cemetery (La Crosse, WI).  Private services are planned for a later date.

Condolences:  www.randallroberts.com