Roberta Garringer

Roberta J. Garringer was born on July 27, 1934, in Dunkirk, Indiana, to Robert and Lillian Fuller. The youngest of four children and the only girl, she grew up alongside her brothers, Bob (Joyce), Jim, (Sally) and Dale (Jama) Fuller.

After a solid year of battling dementia and a myriad of other health issues, Roberta peacefully passed away at her home, in the company of her caring grandson, Jeremy, this past Sunday evening. 

She was the life-of-a-party, lively and enthusiastic, quick-witted and a force to be reckoned with. As her favorite niece once said, “Once you’ve met her, you’ll never forget her.” A lifelong resident of Jay County, retiring from Ball-Foster Glass after 40 years, there are countless people who can attest that she was truly unforgettable. 

Roberta genuinely embodied the qualities of a “good neighbor,” always willing to lend a hand and ever civic-minded. This is truly a loss for us all, as her contributions were invaluable to the residents of Jay County. She worked tirelessly throughout her life belonging to many local groups and organizations, including, but not limited to, the United Way; Jay County AIDS Awareness Task Force; Protective League; and Glass Bottle Blowers Association. She served as a union officer for Local #96. She also served as chairman of the Glass Days Committee festival held annually for over 40 years. She could routinely be found supporting athletics at Jay County High School, as she treated every child on the field like her own. She was “Grandma” to so many students throughout the years. Her booming voice in the JCHS gymnasium will be missed during basketball season, especially.

She was acknowledged for her contributions, receiving awards such as “Citizen of the Year” in Jay County and was bestowed the title of “Sagamore of the Wabash” by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. The highest honor given to a Hoosier, Roberta received this award for her wisdom, public commitment and sincere concern for the well-being of others. 

Roberta may have held many titles in her life, but the most-important ones were that of Daughter, Mom, Aunt, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great-Great Grandma and Friend. She was a true matriarch, fiercely loving and supportive to them all, and a person whose respect you earned and cherished. She leaves behind a legacy, empowering her granddaughters to lead by her example. 

She was preceded in death by her parents;, her brothers, Bob, Jim and Dale Fuller; a son, Gary DeWayne Barlow; and grandson, Stephen Wade Sain.

She is survived by three children, Colinda Anderson (Tim), Dean Barlow (Julie) and Stephanie Hicks (Chadwick); grandchildren RanDale Harrison, Jeremy Barlow, Doug Anderson (Stephanie), Katie Barlow, Amanda Warner (Robert) and Hannah Fuller; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  

Services will be held Aug. 31, 2024, at MJS Mortuary in Redkey, Indiana. Friends and family may call from noon to 3 p.m., with services following immediately thereafter. In true Roberta fashion, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary donation to the basketball booster program at JCHS.

She would also remind you to vote blue this coming November.