Barbara White

Barbara White, an educator, activist, and beloved aunt passed away in Hillsboro, Oregon on August 29, 2024, at the age of 82. Barbara was devoted to life-long learning, social justice causes, and animal welfare programs.

Born May 22, 1942, in Altadena, California to Jean Stickle and John White, Barbara went to Altadena Elementary, Eliot Junior High, and John Muir High School. She attended the University of California at Berkeley where she received her B.A. in history in 1965. She was part of the graduating class that started the free speech movement and participated in orderly demonstrations focused on protecting and preserving free speech and academic freedom. After graduation, she moved to New Haven, Connecticut where she worked for the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program, known as the Domestic Peace Corps. For two years she worked supporting youth transitioning out of prison with education and employment opportunities. She then returned to California, earning her teaching credential at Cal Poly Pomona in 1969. Barbara worked for over 30 years as an elementary and middle school teacher in California Public Schools in the Ventura, California area.

Barbara was an avid solo traveler, exploring almost every country in Central and South America, including Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and the Galapagos Islands. She was extremely active, walking multiple miles per day throughout her life, while also teaching and participating in group exercise classes. After her retirement, she moved to Lapel, Indiana for almost 17 years, where she developed a strong community of friends. Barbara was passionate about many social causes and gave generously of her time, money, and talent for the benefit of others. She was actively involved in the Lion's Club, church volunteer opportunities and events, and Lapel High School fundraisers to name a few. She rescued and cared for many feral cats, ensuring they received needed care. She adopted a few including Kit Kat who traveled with her to Oregon where Barbara lived in senior communities near family.

Barbara is survived by her nieces, Katie Brooks and Amanda Dahan; nephews, Andrew Janssen and Matthew Janssen; great-nieces and great-nephews, Arianna, Jaden and Nico Brooks, Margot and Asher Dahan, Isaac, Zeri and Taya Janssen, and Myla and Kayden Janssen.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Bozell Funeral Homes, Lapel Chapel, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel, Indiana 46051 with Pastor Aaron Taylor officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel.

Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to plant a tree in Barbara's memory via The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 or https://www.arborday.org.

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhomes.com.