Washington - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved mother, community member and friend, Margaret Barber, who departed from this world July 19, 2025, at the age of 73.

Maggie was born on November 17, 1951, to the late Arthur and Bertha "Bertie" (Goldsand) Block, in Wilmette, Illinois.

She attended Evanston High School and was a member of the 1969 graduating class. Maggie went on to attend Northwestern University and obtained her degree in special education in 1973. Following graduation, her degree led her to relocate to Daviess County, where she ended up meeting the love of her life, Jerry R. Barber. They were married on December 7, 1974, and he preceded her in death on April 1, 2024.

Maggie worked as a special education teacher for many Daviess community schools throughout the years. She started at Veale Elementary Special Education and ended up retiring from Washington Alternative after over 15 years of teaching special education. Maggie was a devoted member of the Daviess County Homemakers, where she dedicated her time and energy to nurturing the community around her. As a 4-H Leader for many years, she played a pivotal role in shaping young lives, instilling in them the values of hard work and dedication. Her involvement with the Indiana Farm Bureau showcased her commitment to agriculture and the rural lifestyle she so loved.

In her free time, Maggie reveled in the simple joys of life. Whether it was casting a line while fishing, cooking and baking treasured family recipes, or engaging in spirited card games, she embraced every moment with warmth and enthusiasm. Her boundless love for her family was evident in everything she did.

Survivors of Maggie include her children, Sara (Kevin) Hoke of Carlisle, Jeremy (Susan) Barber of Washington, Keith (Jessica) Barber of Montgomery, and Jonathan Barber of Washington; her grandchildren, Harper Hoke, Halle Hoke, Kamryn Barber, Kaleb Barber and Hazel Barber; her brother, Martin "Marty" Block of Westminster, Colorado; her niece, Lauren (Justin) Lee of Westminster, Colorado;nephew, and Jarrett (Tomoko) Block of Broomfield, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, Arthur and Bertha; and her brother, Robert Block previously of Wilmette, Illinois.

Visitation for Maggie will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home 2020 State St., Washington. A graveside service will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Washington with Pastor Tony Franklin officiating.