Barbara Jean Cheesman, 68, of Muncie, IN, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2009 at her residence. She was born on September 11, 1941 in Royerton, IN to the late Charles and Katherine (Bricker) Dowling.
Barbara is a Muncie Central High School graduate. In October of 1963 she married Terry L. Cheesman in Danville, IL. Barbara was a phone operator for AT&T for 30 years. She retired in October 1990. Barbara was a 50 year member of Shawnee Heights Baptist Church. She also served as deaconess at the church. Barbara was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was an extremely avid collector of Dreamsicles; loved to read novels; complete puzzles; and was a caretaker to many, including friends, church members, and especially her daughter''s triplets during their first years.
Surviving relatives include her loving husband of 45 years, Terry Cheesman; two daughters, Jenny Johnson (husband: Phil) of Selma, IN; and Amy Ayres (husband: John) of Whiteland, IN; brother Danny Dowling (wife: Nancy) of Westerville, OH; six grandchildren, twins Jessica & Rebecca Johnson, both of Waxhaw, NC; Heather Johnson of Selma, IN; and triplets Emily, Noah & Sydney Ayres of Whiteland, IN; two great-grandchildren Kayla & Kameron Johnson; and 3 nieces. Barbara also had many close childhood friends; church goers; and mall-walkers.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3 Muncie, IN. Dr. Dennis Hammons will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. If you would like to sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.