Barbara Ann Jerome

Barbara Ann Jerome, 94, of Ossian, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord at 12:30 am on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. She was born April 2, 1931, in Van Wert, to Coster "Doc" and Evelyn (Davis) Hopkins. She married Graydon Jerome.

She retired from North Side High School in Ft Wayne after 19 years of service as a cafeteria worker. She had also worked at the Ossian Presbyterian Church Pre-School and Roger's Market in Ft Wayne.

Barbara was a former member of Elmhurst Nazarene Church in Ft Wayne and currently at Ossian Nazarene Church.

She was an avid reader, loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed watching her birds and squirrels. Barbara loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and cherished her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Jeri Ellen (Barry) Truesdale of Cridersville, Ohio and Laurie (Scott) Stuckey of Ossian; grandchildren, Brian (Melissa) Truesdale, Jason (Abby) Truesdale, Jen (Don) Albers and Meghan (Spencer) Tonner; great grandchildren, Madison, Carter, Emma, Alexis (Brayden), Avery, Aaron, Ella, Charlee, Paige and Eloise LeeAnn; and a great great granddaughter, C.J.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Doc and Evelyn; husband, Graydon; and a brother, Richard Hopkins.

Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Also one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 11;00 am on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Clark Williman, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gideon's International.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.