Barbara Ann Jerome

Barbara Ann Jerome, 94, of Ossian, Indiana, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born on April 2, 1931, in Van Wert to Coster “Doc” and Evelyn (Davis) Hopkins, she later married Graydon Jerome. Barbara retired from North Side High School in Fort Wayne after 19 years of dedicated service as a cafeteria worker. She had also worked at the Ossian Presbyterian Church Pre-School and at Roger’s Market in Fort Wayne.

A woman of deep faith, Barbara was a former member of Elmhurst Nazarene Church in Fort Wayne and a current member of Ossian Nazarene Church. She found joy in reading, cooking and baking, and watching the birds and squirrels that visited her yard. Above all, she cherished her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and held her family and friends close to her heart.

She 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.

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