Barbara Ann Blanchette

Barbara Ann Blanchette, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in the early afternoon of March 11, 2026, of natural causes.

Barbara was born on September 3, 1933, to Curtis Ishmael and Virginia Freeland in Terre Haute, Indiana. As a young girl, and an only child, she spent several of her early years traveling around the country with her parents while her father painted battleships after serving in the Navy in WWII. She and her family then settled in Indianapolis, where she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1951.

Barbara was married shortly after graduating from high school and had three children from this union. She raised her older children during the 1960s and divorced in the early 1970s. Upon her second marriage to Don Blanchette in 1973, they moved from Indianapolis to Brown County where they raised the younger children still at home.

In 1974, she began taking classes at Indiana University, having always wanted to go to college. As her and Don’s business began to thrive, she put her schooling on hold to work alongside of Don to continue growing their business. This is the time when Barbara discovered her business acumen. She was a highly successful businesswoman and in 1987, she earned the honor of being elected the first ever female President of the American Recovery Association, the world’s largest and most respected organization of Finance Adjusters in the industry of Collections and Collateral Recovery. After her retirement in 1997, she returned to Indiana University, earning her bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2000!

Barbara and Don loved new experiences and spent their free time traveling around the world, visiting the Orient, the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Africa and South America. Together, they visited every continent but one! The remainder of their time was spent at their home on Sweetwater Lake in Brown County, where they were surrounded by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family and friends. It was here that both Don and Barbara were their happiest.

Barbara was an avid bowler and became a member of the 600 Club. In her earlier years, she was an accomplished horsewoman and loved boating and being surrounded by her loved ones. She was also known for her beautiful soprano voice and sang in choirs and quartets.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald Blanchette, her oldest son, Curt Sims, her youngest son Patrick Blanchette, and her granddaughter, Laura Graham. Barbara is survived by her children Pamela Schmeing (Larry), Donna Runyan, and adopted daughter Marilyn Smith. Grandchildren Tracy Majors (David), Jennifer Williams (Andy), Adam Runyan, Ryan Runyan (Missy), among others. Barbara also had several great and great-great grandchildren.

Barbara’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at G. H. Herrmann Funeral Home located at 1605 S. St. Rd. 135 in Greenwood, Indiana. Visitation will be from 12 Noon to 3:00 pm with the Celebration of Life immediately following.

In remembrance of Barbara, donations can be made to the Brain Injury Association of Indiana, an organization that was instrumental in helping Don and Barbara with their son Patrick after his life altering accident in 1986.

Barbara will be missed by many, many people. She had friends and acquaintances all across the country and was always known for her love, positivity, and grace.