Wingate – Barbara Jean Lester Verhey, age 92, formerly of Wingate, passed away, 4:55AM Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Hickory Creek, Crawfordsville.  She had been in failing health and had resided there since September 2017.  Barb was born April 8, 1927 in Lafayette, daughter of the late Lawrence Lester and Nora Johnson Lester.  She married Harry E. Verhey December 12, 1947 and he preceded her in death August 1, 2008.

Barb was raised in Lafayette and attended Lafayette Jefferson High School.  She and Harry moved their family to a farm just outside of Wingate in 1957.  She was a farmwife, former Tupperware Sales Rep, and enjoyed owing/operating Verhey Variety in Wingate.  Her store was the 'Hub of Wingate' for many years.

Barb was a long time member of Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ, VFW Auxiliary, Moose, Montgomery County Home Ec. Club, Bunco Club, Canasta Club and Wingate Quilters.

She was very community minded and a people person.  For years she managed the 4-H Jr. Leaders booth, had a craft booth at the Covered Bridge Festival and Earl Park Festival.  She enjoyed fishing, quilting, playing cards and bingo.  Most of all she loved time with her family and attending her grandchildren's activities.  Barb was also a great cook!

Surviving are: daughter Marlena Verhey of Coatsville, three sons; Marvin (Jean) Verhey of Danville, IN, Mike (Cindy) Verhey of Lafayette, Marlin (Denise) Verhey of Lafayette, sister-in-law Carolyn Lester of Peru, Ruth Moore her roommate and friend.  Twenty grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and two more on the way.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry, daughter Marsha Applegate, son Melvin Verhey, daughter-in-laws Kathy Verhey, Candy Verhey and Sharon Verhey, brothers Robert & Charles Lester, sisters; Eleanor Jennings & Maxine Beever, great-grandson Hayden Verhey, Step-grandsons Ken & David Allen, grandson-in-law Graham Batta, friend and former daughter-in-law Kathy Perigo.

Visitation hours are: noon – 3:00 PM Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, with funeral services following at  3:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Alan Goff officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Wingate.  Memorial contributions are preferred in lieu of flowers to Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ.  To sign the guest book or leave a condolence, visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com