Barbara Ann Browning (Petersen)

Barbara Ann Browning (Petersen) July 11, 1932 - March 21, 2025

Long time Anderson, IN resident Barbara Ann Browning (Petersen) passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, at the age of 92.

Barbara was born in Los Angeles, CA on July 11, 1932 to Louise and Kenneth Petersen. Barbara recalled during World War II her father, Kenneth was in charge of making sure everyone turned off their lights or pulled down the shades at night so enemy planes would not be able to see houses. At a young age, Barbara and her brother Jack would catch the bus and travel around Los Angeles on their own to go to the movies. While living in Los Angeles, Barbara worked for Western Union and recalled relaying messages for many famous people, including Lucille Ball and John Wayne.

The family moved to the California High Desert and lived on a turkey ranch outside of Lancaster, CA where she learned how to drive a tractor at age 11. Barbara graduated high school from Antelope Valley Union High School in 1950, and obtained a Bachelors of Art from San Jose State in 1954.

Barbara met her husband Richard while she was teaching night classes. They married in 1957, while Richard was serving in the United States Air Force. They began living the military family life, having four children in five years. Barbara really enjoyed life as an Air Force spouse and the community of friends they met. The military life enabled the family to make many cross country trips where Barbara discovered her love for AAA “Triptiks”.

While Richard served overseas in the Vietnam War, Barbara was raising their four children on her own and began teaching in Merced, CA. Recently her children discovered letters she had written to Richard while he was overseas, describing the trials and tribulations of teaching and the goings on with the kids. Her letters were a master class of satire and a sense of humor all who know her would appreciate.

After Richard left the service in 1968, he moved back to Indiana to work for W.R. Dunkin & Sons. Once the kids finished the school year, Barbara performed an act of bravery comparable to serving in the military. Barbara, her mother, four children and luggage piled into a VW Beetle to head to Indiana, dropping her mother off in Reno on the way. The family settled in the city of Anderson, IN, where General Motors car factories and operations were in their prime. Summers were spent at Shadyside ball field watching her sons playing Little League baseball and winters were cheering for the Leach Eagles basketball team. Spring and summers were spent cheering for the Cubs. Once the kids were in school, Barbara began volunteering at Leach School where she was active in the PTA. Later Barbara began her long tenure in the Frankton-Lapel Community School System as the secretary at Leach School-at least that was her official title. If you asked the students and her colleagues at Leach, she was first aid attendant, stitcher of torn clothes, cheerleader, friend to all and most importantly, literally the school class clown. Barbara also served as the Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director at Frankton High School where she was a regular fixture at sports events, field trips and wherever a cheerleader was needed.

Barb and Richard enjoyed bowling and playing bridge until Richard’s passing in 2005.

After retiring and the passing of her spouse Richard in 2005, Barbara spent her time with friends playing Euchre, traveling around the country and the world, and met regularly with long time friends at Bernie’s in Frankton and cheering on her grandkids at the ballparks. Barb enjoyed attending Beef and Board productions over the years, and was a life long Cubs fan. Barb was always up for anything, anywhere. Barb didn’t let age define her. In her sixties she joined family in more than one white water rafting trip where she would inevitably end up in the river with a very cute raft guide helping here out of the river. Traveling anywhere with Barb was never a dull moment.

The past few years Barb has slowed down as many of her own friends have passed away, and two years ago moved from the house she lived in for over 55 years to an independent living facility in Fishers, IN where she met new friends and enjoyed playing bingo.

She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Jack Petersen of Sonora, CA; sister, Lois Petersen Hacket (Don) of Modesto, CA; Sister-in-Law, Darlene Browning of Frankton, IN; and Sister-in-Law, Nancy Varner of Keizer, OR; children, Jana (Browning) Adams of Roseville, CA, David Browning (Pam) of Fishers, IN, and Michael Browning (Susan) of Georgetown, CA; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Browning; and daughter, Linda (Browning) Post of Anderson, IN.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory in Anderson.

Services will follow immediately after visitation on Tuesday, at 6:00 pm with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children's Hospital.

Barbara's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the numerous caretakers and staff at Independence Village of East Fishers for the outstanding care and attention they provided during the past 2 years.