BLOOMINGTON
Barbara Dell (Oathout) Ferry, 94, of Bloomington,Indiana died August 20, 2022 at home. Born August 12, 1928 in Surprise, Indiana. Barbara was the seventh of eight children, born to the late Roland Allison and Faye Leroy (Hamilton) Oathout.
Barbara grew up in Cortland, Indiana and graduated from Cortland High School. After graduation, she worked for Cordes Hardware in Seymour where she met her future husband, the late George “Pat” Ferry. They were married September 16, 1950. They were married for 68 years, until Pat’s death. Pat called on Barb one final time to celebrate on August 20, his heavenly birthday.
Barbara enjoyed living in Germany and traveling in Europe during Pat’s military deployments. Their first son was born in Weisbaden. Next stationed at Eglin AFB, Barb fell in love with the Gulf Coast of Florida living in Fort Walton Beach. With the last move to Bloomington came two more children, and Barb soon became that popular neighborhood mom, known for making popcorn balls and chocolate chip cookies. Barb worked for Hewitt’s Drugstore as a pharmacy tech, retiring in 1990 after twenty years.
Barb successfully raised three children and three Boston terriers in Bloomington. The family enjoyed frequent trips to Sanibel Island, Florida. Upon retiring, Barb and Pat adored life as “snow birds” in Largo, Florida, living near her brother, Bob.
Barbara is survived by her children, Daniel Ferry, M.D. (Claudia), Ponce Inlet, Florida; Shawn Strong (Ken), Bloomington, Indiana; Jack Ferry (Nancy), Santa Rosa, California; her grandchildren Grant Ferry and Sara Ferry (Keenan Spillum), all of Scottsdale, Arizona; and family friend, Nan Denaro, Carmel, Indiana.
Other survivors include lifelong friends, Jane Zebendon, Tracy Pickett, Norma Best, and Maggie Riggs.
Barbara was preceded in death by her siblings, Jack Oathout, Cathleen Borgman, Maxine Hulley, Mildred Jean Oathout, Roger Oathout, Robert Oathout, and John Oathout.
To honor their affection for Florida, Pat and Barb’s cremains will be returned to the ocean waters off the coast at a private family celebration.
Indiana Memorial Cremation and Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.indianamemorial.com.
