Barbara Ann (Morris) Beard, 92, of Frankfort, IN, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Wesley Manner. Barb was born October 2, 1930, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Merrill and Grace Clark Morris. At age 3, she moved to Elmhurst, IL, where she attended York High School through her Jr year. Barb graduated from High School in Janesville, WI in 1949. She attended Purdue University studying Home Economics and Costume Design. At Purdue she met her husband, Arthur Beard, who preceded her in death on November 12, 2013.
Barb and Art were married on August 15, 1952, at The First Christian Church in Elmhurst, IL. They moved to Virginia Beach, VA where Art was stationed at Fort Eustis and Barb worked in the Civilian Personnel Office. In 1955, Barb and Art moved to the Frankfort homestead farm to begin their family. Barbs love for design started when remodeling the homestead farmhouse. In 1977, Barb graduated from Purdue University in Interior Design and was a Certified ASID Residential/ Commercial Designer. She was President of ASID Indiana Chapter, for one year. Her Interior design has been featured on the Show Home Tour in Kokomo, with her Kitchen Design winning the People’s Choice Award. Barb remodeled two family homes. Other projects included the Frankfort Community Public Library (Children’s Department), Frankfort Country Club, Frankfort Medical Clinic waiting rooms, and many residential spaces in Noblesville, Lafayette, Kokomo, Indianapolis, and Frankfort areas. Her Interior design is still on display today inside the Frankfort Children’s Library featuring hand painted faux finished columns.
Barb enjoyed serving her community, and she had many different roles in business, social and philanthropic organizations such as The John Purdue Club, Alpha Xi Delta, WCAA, Indianapolis Stencil Artisans International, Zonta, Tri Kappa, 4-H Council, and Board Chairman of St Vincent Frankfort Foundation. She was an active member of the St. Matthew United Methodist Church, attended Sunday school, and volunteered on the flower committee. She loved interior design, cooking, sewing, card making, jewelry design, faux painting, and prospective drawing. She made many center pieces and table decorations for organizations, fundraisers, friends, and family.
Barbara demonstrated her many talents, which added to her legacy, and supported her family, friends, church, and community compassionately. Barbara loved cooking and entertaining. Her friends and family enjoyed many meals and festive occasions in the family home. Barb and Art loved living life together with friends and family. They also traveled to Germany, Spain, Mexico, St. Thomas and took annual family vacations to Hilton Head, SC.
Survived by 2 sons, Clark (partner: Shirley) of Frankfort, IN; Lyle (wife: Lisa) of Floyds Knobs, IN; daughter, Marcia Beard-Kalina (husband: Scott) of Palatine, IL; eight grandchildren, Sabrinae Madren (husband: Nick); Kimberly Burge (husband: Richie), Matthew Brandenstein (wife: Hanna), Amy Beard, Abby Beard, Nathan Beard, Calder Kalina, and Jordan Kalina, six great grandchildren, Harper Madren, Anabelle Madren, Lucy Madren, Sarah Richardson, Oliver Burge, and Elliot Burge.
Preceded by her husband Arthur Beard; parents Merrill Morris, Grace Clark Morris; and brother Richard Morris (wife: Margie).
Memorial visitation will be held, Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 11:30am until the time of the memorial service at 2pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Chaplain Deborah Musick will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date at Hopewell Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Barb’s honor to the Frankfort Community Public Library and COACH Kids of Clinton County. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.