Barbara Ann Little

Barbara Ann (Ward) Little, age 89, of rural Ambia, passed away peacefully in her home with loving family around her, Sunday, June 9, 2024.

She was born in Lebanon, IN on April 14, 1935 to John R. Ward and Jane (McDaniel) Ward. Growing up in Lebanon she was very active in Girl Scouts, lifeguarding, swim lessons, piano and attended Lebanon schools.

Her widowed mother then moved the family to Lafayette, Barbara graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1952. She attended Purdue University studying nursing and met her future husband, Charles N. "Chick" Little.

Charles and Barbara were married on July 1, 1955 at the Trinity Methodist Church in Lafayette. They spent nearly 69 years together raising their large family on a Warren County farm.

After the birth of her last child, Barbara returned to Purdue to finish her Bachelor of Science degree in History and received her nurses pin in 1974. She spent many years as a registered nurse in various facilities and enjoyed her time as a Home Health Nurse. After retirement, she occasionally was a substitute teacher for the Benton Community Schools.

Barbara was a talented woman crocheting many afghans for her family, friends and anyone she knew having a baby. She enjoyed watching movies, reading, working crossword and word search puzzles, and playing Scrabble. She attended sporting events, concerts, plays and any school or community activity her children or grandchildren participated in. She welcomed anyone into her home, was "Mom" to many and never new a stranger.

A gifted pianist, Barbara shared her talent with her family, church and community. She played for many weddings, funerals, accompanied band soloists and ensembles, and was the pianist at the Tab Church of Christ for many years of services, Vacation Bible School and special programs.

She was a member of the Tab Church of Christ, The Loyal Matrons Society, and Tri-Kappa. 

Barbara is survived by her husband, 11 children, Neil Little, Chesteron, Lisa (Scott) Stearman, Ten Mile, TN, Lesley Honscharow, Kelowna, BC, Mike (Gayla) Little, Michigan City, Kevin (Lori) Little, Jasper, GA, Danny Little, Ambia, Elizabeth (Mark) Muller, West Lafayette, Andy (Christy) Little, Attica, Becky (Deuel) Allen, Melbourne, FL, Joe (Nancy) Little, Ambia, Heather(Shannon) Hollinger, Veedersburg, 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Margaret (Arthur) Glockner, Mechanicsburg, PA, Cathy Quinlan, Canton, GA and sister-in-law, Katya Ward, Zionsville, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Thomas Williams, brother John K. "Jack" Ward, an infant daughter, Jennifer Alicia, and granddaughter, Tammy Honscharow.

 Family graveside services were held at Locust Grove Cemetery, June 12. Grady Funeral Home of Williamsport handled the burial arrangements.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13 at the Tab Church of Christ.

 The family would like to thank Franciscan Hospice team for the care that made being at home possible for Barbara. 

 In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tab Church of Christ or a charity of the donor's choice.