Barbara Jean Skeans

Barbara J. Skeans, 70, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 after a 4.5-year battle with cancer. She was a fighter and kept a positive attitude.

Barb was born on March 22, 1953 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky to Theodore “Ted” and Rebecca N. (Johnson) Skeans. Growing up as the 4th of 10 children, Barb was a great role model and “mini mother”. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage and has a special ring made in their family plaid. She attended Warsaw High School.

She married Matt Matheney, who would pass 20 years ago. And then would marry Tim Cates, before their separation.

Barb was a Montessori teacher for 20 years in Clearlake, TX. In 2012, she made the decision to move back to Warsaw, Indiana to take care of her mother and chose to retire to be able to give her mother the care she needed.

She was friendly, generous, kind, caring and just a very good person. She had the warmest heart and loved children, and treasured helping raise her sister Alice’s grandchildren and loved her “grandkitties.” Family was her life and they were very important to her. Barb had a lot of friends and neighbors that loved her dearly and would stop daily on their walks to chat on her porch. She was always there for anyone and very supportive.

Barb enjoyed going shopping, doing the latest craze crafts with her daughter, going out to eat and was an amazing cook. She attended many local events and enjoyed seeing shows at the Wagon Wheel. She had a strong faith in the Lord and attended Warsaw Community Church and the Free Will Baptist Church.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Melanie Matheney of Warsaw, and her 8 siblings: Jim Skeans, Jerry (Janice) Skeans, Linda Miner, Mary Alice Park, Terry Skeans, Ted (Opal) Skeans Jr., Janice Miller and Joseph (Lauri) Skeans; her dog that never left her side, Diva; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother Jack Skeans, her parents, and her husbands, Matt and Tim.

Family and Friends are welcomed on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 12-3 p.m. at Warsaw Community Church 1855 S. County Farm Rd, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, online at www.donate3.cancer.org or by mail to PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.