Barbara Janice Woodall

Barbara J. (Border) Woodall, 91, of Poland, and formerly of Wilbur, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, February 2, 2026, while in the comfort of her home. She was born in Indianapolis on April 27, 1934, to the late Eugene Marion and Alice (Smith) Border. Growing up on the south side of Indianapolis, Barbara proudly graduated from Southport High School with the class of 1953. Introduced to man who would become her soulmate and husband, Jack Woodall, by her grandmother, it took two weeks for him to finally call her, and it was a call he never regretted. The two instantly knew that the other was the one they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with. With stars in their eyes and love in their hearts, Barbara and Jack were happily united in marriage on October 16, 1953, and completed the family, bringing four beautiful daughters into their union. When Jack enlisted in the United States Army, Barbara stayed behind to take care of things here at home. Upon his discharge, they purchased their forever home in Wilbur where they raised the children and remained there until retirement. Born to be a nurturer and continuously family oriented to those she loved, she cared for ailing parents until the end of their journey, as well as caring for her children and grandchildren. Selfless through and through, she made sure that when you walked through her door, you were fed and loved. When her girls got older and the home was empty, Barbara started work at Miller’s Merry Manor in the housekeeping department and she devoted 16 years to the nursing home. In her youth, she was a member of the Builders on the Rock Church in Indianapolis, which her parents owned. In addition, she was a member of the Red Hat Society. Truly a loving, caring, and patient soul, Barbara was the glue that held her family together. She gave the best advice and was the source of inspiration and safety for her family. She loved flowers and birds—especially hummingbirds and wrens—and tended a huge vegetable garden, sowing and reaping it as a true labor of love. Sharp as a tack, she had a witty sense of humor that would bring a smile and a giggle to those around her. Her appearance was always polished, and she made sure Jack’s was, too, despite his reluctance. Sweet as a Hershey’s Kiss, and gentle as the day is long, she was one of the most selfless matriarchs you will ever come across, and even though they didn’t have much, her family felt that they were rich with unconditional love. Barbara’s journey was one that led her to take care of others, and in turn, they took care of her until her final days. She leaves a legacy of love, light, and tenderness for generations to come. Along with her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her son in law, John Royal, and all her siblings, David and Billy Border, and Carolyn Thompson. She leaves behind her husband of 72 years, Jack Woodall of Poland; daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Linder (Darrell) of Mooresville, Roslyn “Roz” Woodall of Greenwood, Jacqueline “Jackie” Royal of Wilbur, and Karen Hart of Gosport; sister in laws, Eillene Wood of Poland, and Joyce Mackey of Venice, FL; along with 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren. Barbara’s family would like to thank Mackenzie Childress from the bottom of their hearts for the loving care, compassion, and hospitality she showed during Barbara’s final weeks. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:30am until a Celebration of Life Service that will start promptly at 1:30pm, Dan Kindle will officiate, and entombment will follow in Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by clicking https://www.stjude.org/ or by mail to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, and envelopes will be provided during services. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Barbara’s memory, please visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Barbara Janice Woodall

April 27, 1934 - February 2, 2026