Barbara LaMar (Keplinger) Smith 91, passed to eternal rest Monday November 5, 2018.  She was born October 19, 1927 in Ft. Wayne to the late Lorinda (Pelton) and Ernest Burdette Keplinger.  Barbara spent her entire life in Ft. Wayne.  As a graduate of  Central High School she continued her affiliation by actively working on the CHS reunion committee for many years.  She married Berdell O. Smith July 13, 1947 and became a housewife and mother of three children.  She had worked in the offices of the General Electric and later in life became a librarian for the Fort Wayne Community School system.  Barbara also professionally entertained children and adults with her "Story Telling" portrayals of the books Amelia Bedelia and The Funny Little Women throughout the area.  She was a miniature enthusiast and belonged to the Ft. Wayne miniature club.  She and Berdell were active members of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg club.  They loved to drive and participate in events with their 1931 Auburn.  With her Master Gardeners certification from Purdue University, she donated her time and efforts to the Settlers Organization, preserving the gardens at the historical Sweeney Homestead and other Settler's activities.  Barbara actively assisted with family correspondence among Berdell's WWII squadron via   the internet and kept up with everyone until her illness.  She enjoyed sewing, collecting, miniatures, and reading mysteries.

She is survived by her son Martin Dean (Amanda) Smith, daughter Susan (Wallace) Braden, sister Elaine Christian, and brother Ernest Burdette Keplinger Jr., 5 Grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and loving nieces and nephews.  Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Berdell Smith, daughter Nancy Ellen Smith, brother Robert Vernon Keplinger, and niece Karen Keplinger Morgan.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday November 12, 2018 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Rd. with calling from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers preferred memorials are to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in care of great-granddaughter Kilah Gene Smith.  www.covingtonmemorial.com