Barbara East
East

Barbara (Smith) East, 79, of Bloomington, died Monday morning, March 31, 2008, at Bell Trace Living and Health Center, Bloomington.

She was born on Nov. 17, 1928, in Ardmore, Pa., the daughter of Alan Gerald and Gertrude (Schlipff) Smith. She graduated in 1947 from Lower Merion High School, Bryn Mawr, Pa. On Sept. 11, 1948, in Ardmore, Pa., she married Frederick Burch East of Bloomington, and they moved to Monroe County.

She worked along side her husband in the family-owned plumbing, heating and airconditioning business, ESCO Supply Co. Inc. in Bloomington. They retired together in 1977.

She was part owner and vice president of a second family business, Cardinal Point Inc. from 1981 to 1987.

Barbara was a life-long member of the Methodist faith and a charter member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Highland Village. She was active with the Faith Women's Circle, sang with the church choir, and was church historian.

She was a member of the Theta-Alpha-Beta social sorority from 1970 to 1990, the Monroe County Historical Society, and Bloomington Restoration Inc. She was a "sweetheart" member of the 8th Air Force - 305th Bombardment Memorial Group.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, Charles Alan and Karen S. East of Flora, Deborah Anne Augustus of Lafayette, Tenn., and Mary Lou and Sam L. Emmons of Bloomington; one sister, Betty Anne Wheeler, Tucson, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, Randall K. East of Carmel, Dennis A. East of Indianapolis, Deborah Louanne Cossey, Mathew and Alan Taylor of Bloomington; Mary Jayne, Jennifer, Zebediah and Tamara Baswell, all of Lafayette, Tenn., and Stephanie and Kelsey Emmons both of Bloomington; 10 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frederick B. East (on Aug. 27, 1986), and three brothers-inlaw, Lawrence "Lon" Wheeler, John R. East, Jr., and Robert G. East.

Based on Barbara's wishes, her body has been donated to the Indiana University School of Medical in Indianapolis.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, the Alzheimer Association, or the Arthritis Foundation.