Barbara Nan (Harris) Maple

Barbara Nan Maple 6-6-1918 – 1-26-2020 Born Barbara Nan Harris the fourth child and only daughter to Arthur Lee and Opal Wynona Harris in Switz City, IN on June 6, 1918. She grew up on her father’s farm along with her four brothers, Joe, Perry, John and Bill in Carlisle, IN. where she much preferred the opportunity to do any outside chore than those relegated to females of the day such as cooking and cleaning and would often trade her brother John her inside chores for his out in the fields when her dad would allow it. Mom was a liberated woman before it had the name or was in vogue. I believe back then they called it willful, LOL. She often said she enjoyed school but wasn’t the best student, none the less graduated with her high school class I 1936. The previous summer and fall she helped her Mother with her vegetable truck farm. A nice young man from the farm across the road came to buy melons for his Mother and Grandma Harris being a fine judge of character and having a keen eye for good son-in-law material; told Mom the melons in the cellar were riper and to let him select from those. Of course, she stood within ear shot of the conversation and heard Dad ask if Mom would like to go for a drive that evening and Mom’s reply of “might as well I’ve nothing better to do.” Grandma waited until Dad left reprimanded Mom for being so rude and made her go apologize to Dad who in typical male infatuation said “all I heard was you said you’d go.” They eloped to Sullivan, IN on July 17, 1937. Good Job Grandma Harris! They moved back and forth from Southern Indiana to Northern Indiana several times and world events caused economic events to create ebb and flow of job opportunities. And with the moves the family size increased. Barbara had Seven children Nan Kathleen Husband Charles Ralston (deceased); Robert Wife Nancy Maple; James Wife Mary Maple; Rosemary Husband Edward Schwinkendorf; Lynn (deceased) Husband William Croft; Thomas Edward Maple (deceased); Dale J. Maple. These Children then blessed Mom with Grand Children. Nan’s: Frank Wife Elaine Ralston and Nancy Ralston; Robert’s: John Wife Cathie, Jennifer Husband Burt Gurganus, Krista Husband Bobbie McKenzie. Jim’s: Todd wife Lisa Maple, Timothy Maple (deceased), Tamatha Husband Nick Jolene; Rosemary’s: Kimberly Schwinkendorf, Brenda Husband John Swift, Brent (deceased) Bryan Wife Lynda Schwinkendorf, Brad Schwinkendorf; Randall Wife Kathy Mings, Deanna Husband Craig Kenworthy, Michael Mings,George Adrian III Wife Lori Dotson, Daniel Scott Dotson. From these she was blessed with the following Great Grand Children. Charles Wife Katie Ralston, Candance Ralston; Sara Boyd; Dakota and Ian Maple, John Robert Maple, Zachery and Madalyn Gurganus, Avery, Nathan, Gavin and Cassidy McKenzie; Laura Husband Brad Schmidt, Jonathan Maple, Cristina Maple; Miranda Schwinkendorf, Amanda Husband Eric (Calvert), Ashley Schwinkendorf, Brentlyn Schwinkendorf, Tyler Schwinkendorf, Madison Swift, Sage Mings, Jacob Kenworthy, Joshua Kenworthy, Ethan and Wife Carrington Dotson, Emma Lynn Dotson. Her Great-Great Grand Children ranged in ages from fourteen Years Sydnee Krull, Charlie Joyce Ralston, John Wade Ralston, Sabree Krull,  Blakely Calvert to Weston Calvert one year . For those who weren’t counting that’s 12 Children, 28 Grand-Children, 26 Great-Grand Children and 6 Great Great-Grand Children Mother counted us all in her prayers. She had many varied interests that she mastered throughout the years, many of which are recorded in her “Brag Book” in the Lobby. Amongst those sewing and furniture restoration and upholstery were also a way to assist in supporting the family and keeping all of us “well dressed for less” before the slogan became a Marshalls/TJ Maxx trademark. I always thought I wore designer clothes as I told Mom what sleeve to add to what dress top and skirt shape, And if she didn’t have that pattern she’d cut one out of newspaper. Everyone has a hand crocheted afghan done during their cross-country travels. Most have a hand stitched quilt made with the help of her middle daughter Rosemary. Everyone; in-law, out-law allaround the barn received a hand crocheted scarf for Christmas one year 67 in total and none shorter than 60 inches in length she proudly proclaimed, done in four months. Mother’s most highly prized activity was her paintings of which she did hundreds, and they are hanging on friends and family’s walls all across the United STATES AND Canada possibly further. (Kids if you don’t have one see your parents they all have multiples.) Trying to encapsulate Mother is next to impossible. She was loving, liked to share with her friends, especially at the end those ladies at the manor. And she was always looking for ways to acquire things to give to someone else, even my puppy Grisham who she won stuffed animals for from Bingo games. When asked to what she attributed her long life her response each time was… My Strong belief in God as my Savior and his love for me. Now she is with God, Daddy and all of those who have gone before and is at peace. Everyday is the same no yesterday no tomorrow only His Glory Love and Eternal Peace. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10:00 AM until Funeral Services at 12:00 PM at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe Street, Valparaiso. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso.

Memorial donations may be made to Dunes Hospice or Valley Baptist Church.  

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