Barbara Rose Hilligoss

Barbara Rose Hilligoss was born in Anderson, Indiana on August 20, 1937. She passed away this last Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at the age of 83.

She lived well the 83 years God gave her and leaves behind a great legacy. She is survived by her husband, William Hilligoss, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Barbara walked through decades of ministry with Bill as he pastored congregations in Indiana,Ohio and Kentucky. She was a sincere follower of Christ and lover of the Scripture. She served in every conceivable capacity in the church, but her gift and greatest blessing to the church was in her teaching. Her love for the Scripture stood out as she helped many grow in their own faith, in Sunday Classes and Bible Studies over the years.

Her best, and most vital, ministry, however, was carried out in her home. Barbara was a mother of five: Joyce, Paula, Donna, Jerry, and Jack. She was a confidante, advisor, teacher, disciplinarian, and role model to each one of them. Her fingerprints are all over their faith. Her convictions and values are the same ones that her children desire to pass on to their children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren as well as a brother-George (Bunk) Chapin, and a sister-Cindy McDaniel. She found a way to love and value each one in her own, genuine, and honest way.

She loved by serving. She cared enough to tell you the truth in love. She was honest and generous. She was unassuming and unpretentious. She kept her promises and loved others more than she loved her self. And there is no doubt in our minds she heard Jesus welcome her by saying, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”