Barbara Ann Hankey Gano

Barbara Gano's life was rich in love and caring that she gave to everyone around her, and received in kind. Her great strength, and her capacity for quiet joy, enlivened her marriage of 60 years to Bill Gano, the close family of four children they raised together, the friendships she forged for life, and the charitable work she carried out with all of the compassion and energy she could.Barbara was the youngest of three daughters born to Chester and Pearl Hankey in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was very close to her sisters Betty and Margaret, each helping the others through difficult times. The friends she made growing up in Terre Haute knew her as Babs, and enjoyed her gracious company whenever they would meet through the years, at Kappa Kappa Sorority reunions, afternoons with the lunch bunch, or just dropping by to say hello.Long before the world could acknowledge it, Barbara knew how to be a successful working mother. After a long day at work, she put forth a table full of comforting foods for family. She could sew a new outfit for work, or dresses for her daughters Vicki, Debby and Meg, or even a jacket and tie for her son, Steve. She had a special knack for making their home both elegant and comfortable. During the holidays, it was full of family traditions for decorations and familiar warm aromas and treats from the kitchen. Work wasn't a burden, but another place to make friends. Barb loved to get together with friends from First Bank and Trust in Speedway for their regular golf and lunch outings. She was a friend and mentor to younger colleagues, in a modest and sincere way that few others knew about.After her children left home to begin their own families and careers, Barbara and Bill often took to the road to see the country. Whether it was looking out over the Grand Canyon or breakfast at a roadside diner, they shared a deep love and companionship that only grew stronger.Barbara couldn't wait to get to their winter place in Panama City Beach, Florida, to join her friends in the swimming pool, and enjoy long walks on the beach with Bill. In Florida, they found a new circle of friends to see every winter, and to visit and write to during the rest of the year.But she was always so happy to come in the spring to be back with her sisters, and to see how her grandsons had grown. She missed her congregation of friends at the First Christian Church in Noblesville, and worked tirelessly at the church to make up for time away. After her work at the church, and delivering many Meals on Wheels with Bill, and volunteer work at the Riverview Hospital, Barbara loved to relax at home with Bill, and enjoy a good book, and the morning crossword puzzle, which she never failed to complete. She lived her life completely, and with deep, abiding love for her husband, friends and family.

Family Tree:
Spouse:	William Gano
Children:	Vicki Debby Meg Steve
Grandchildren:	None listed
Parents:	Chester and Pearl Hankey
Siblings:	Betty Margaret
Grandparents:	None listed