Barbara Gwinn, age 69 of Frankton, passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Community Hospital in Anderson following a lengthy illness.  She was born July 27, 1949 in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of Richard Cloud and Mary Frances (Hodges) Allen.  Barbara attended schools in Africa where her father was stationed in the U.S. Army, and gained recognition as a star basketball player in addition to running on the track team.  She was also class secretary of her high school class, and she graduated in 1967 from Asmara American High School in Asmara, Ethiopia.  Barbara received the Silver Bell award from Emperor Hailee Sallasie of Ethiopia for athletic achievement.  She was baptized in the Christian faith.  Barbara met her former husband while working in the mailroom on the U.S. Army base in Africa, and this union resulted in her having 5 precious children whom she loved very much.  Barbara was passionate about fishing and treasure hunting with her metal detector for many years.  She also was an accomplished artist.  Later in life, she bounced back from numerous health issues and was known as a "feisty", spirited fighter against her health challenges.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barbara's family legacy includes 5 children, Greg (Diana) Gwinn of Alexandria, Ginger (David) Nelson of Frankton, Shelly (Jeffrey) Burger of Frankton, Racquel Eldridge of Elwood, and Rachel Gwinn of Elwood; 5 siblings, Ronald Cloud, Ernie Cloud, Malcolm Cloud, Donna Lanham, and Colleen Holland; Step-Father who raised her as his own, James Allen; 25 grandchildren, Brittney DeMilt, Taranie Neal, Damien Dick, Darien Dick, Allison Cole, Maleah Nelson, Pheebie Nelson, Myla Nelson, Michael Nelson, Madyx Nelson, Jaythan Moore, Michael York, Joshua Gwinn, Zachary Gwinn, Liam Gwinn, Kaith Gwinn, Kirsten Savage, James Capshaw, Jr., Shauntae Stone, Jeremiah Dunn, Kyle Jarrell, Kelsey Jarrell, Kayla Short, Brayton Wilson, and Isiah Wilson; 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Dusty Gooding.

A funeral service honoring Barbara's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Chaplain Rob Mifflin of Community Home Health Services officiating.  Burial will follow in Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.