Barbara Williams Forrester

Barbara Williams Forrester of Evansville, Indiana passed away on February 3, 2022 in Rogers, Arkansas, at the age of 91, surrounded by her children in her final days.  She was born to the late Harold and Leona Williams Henderson on March 10, 1930 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1935 and attended Trinity Lutheran school.  She graduated from Central High School in 1948.

She married Robert (Bob) R. Forrester, her high school sweetheart, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1953.  Bob and Barbara were married for 63 years and shared an enduring love for one another. She is survived by her daughters, Robin Meadows and Lisa Fisher; her son, Robert W. Forrester; as well as her grandchildren, Veronica Shayket, Rob Meadows, Carolyn Forrester and Graham Forrester.  Even though they were separated geographically from their children, Barbara and Bob remained close to their children and grandchildren by visiting them often and hosting Christmas annually in Evansville. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bob in 2016.

She held several executive administrative positions in businesses in Evansville, including Atlas Van Lines and Swanson-Nunn Electrical.  She was known for her organizational, planning, written and oral communication skills.  She was committed to excellence and professionalism in all that she did.  She became a certified fitness instructor at the YMCA, teaching classes on-site as well as conducting stretching classes for the production line at Mead Johnson.  She later branched out to teach exercise classes at several locations in McCutchanville.  A life-long learner, she had an extensive knowledge of exercise, weight-lifting and nutrition she delighted in sharing and she was a shining example of the benefits of working out and eating correctly.

She was devoted to her pets and actively worked to rescue and offer a loving home to abandoned cats.  This love has been passed on to her family, who all continue in her footsteps to provide and find loving homes for unwanted animals. The cats and dogs in her children and grandchildren’s homes are too numerous to list!

She served on the Reunion Committee for the Class of 1948 of Central High School for many years and was key in locating and reaching out to her fellow classmates.  She delighted in publicizing the success of other members of her graduating class and ensured that all had a chance to update their information annually in the class biographical publication.  Planning and attending the annual dinner or lunch gave her much joy.

She enjoyed reading, traveling with Bob, museum exhibits, crossword puzzles and watching movies from her childhood and teenage years.  Her knowledge of actors, actresses and movies was encyclopedic.  This was a favorite activity she shared with her children in her later years and one they all valued. She was also a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

A viewing on February 11, 2022 from 4 – 8 pm and a service on February 12, 2022 at 10 am will be held at Titzer Funeral Home, Evansville, followed by interment at Parklawn Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Vanderburgh Humane Society in her name.