Barbara Elizabeth (Beard) Roark

Barbara Elizabeth Roark 86, of Oaktown, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2019. She was born February 9, 1933 in Keyser, W. VA. to the late Bernard Beard and Ella Virginia McCombs Beard.

Barbara attended Piedmont Grade School in W. VA, graduated from Bruce High School of Westport, Maryland, and then Catherman’s Business College of Cumberland, Maryland. In 1952, Barbara and her family relocated to Sullivan, IN and June 26, 1953 she married Ivan Neal Roark. 

Barbara was employed by Mutual Service Insurance of Sullivan, IN. deputy recorder for Knox County, clerk for Indiana State Highway Department, and Vigo Township Assessor from which she retired due to being disabled to work any further. Barbara was an avid reader who enjoyed embroidery and quilt making. She also organized all the family reunions and was President of the Roark Family Reunion Committee for 19 years until she resigned due to cancer. She was also a member of Bicknell Baptist Church.

Barbara leaves behind; her loving children, Sharon Ivers of Bruceville, Shirley Roark of Oaktown, Joyce Johnson of Vincennes In, Donna Fellows of Oaktown, Gary Neal Roark of Vincennes, and Kathy Managan of WI; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Helen Scott of Huttsonville, IL.

Barbara was preceded by her parents Bernard and Ella Beard, her Husband Ivan Neal Roark and 1 granddaughter Hillary Gregory. 

There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at Fredrick and Son McClure-UttFuneral Home, Bicknell Chapel with a service immediately following to be conducted by Richard Stewart. Burial will be in Asbury Chapel Cemetery. 

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