Barbara Ann Begley, age 90, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Born November 10,1935, in Bedford, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Martha Jessie and Deward Pierce.

Barbara experienced the loss of her father at just nine months old following an illness and surgery. She and her mother then lived with her grandparents for several years before moving to Madison, IN, where her mother married her stepfather, Henry Bennett.

Barbara grew up in Madison and attended local schools, where she was a dedicated and capable student. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a nurse. She pursued her calling by earning a scholarship to the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Indianapolis, where she completed her training.

Throughout her nursing career, Barbara served her community with compassion and dedication, working at several hospitals including Community Hospital, Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, King’s Daughters Hospital, Madison State Hospital, and Parkview Hospital. In 1963, she moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she continued her career at Parkview Hospital. Over the years, she became a respected nurse manager in the orthopedic and neurological departments.

Following her training, Barbara married Lamar Begley, and together they welcomed their daughter, Carolyn. She balanced her professional life with her devotion to family.

Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards and games. She shared many meaningful years with her companion, Jack Staup, and the two traveled throughout the United States together. After his passing, she moved to Towne House, where she remained in close and loving contact with her daughter and her sister.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Noyes; her granddaughter, Rachel (Derek) Noyes Finley; her grandson, Evan (Camille Rehborg) Noyes; her devoted sister, Carolyn Colpetzer; her nephews, Al (Phebe) Schnabel and Bill (Cheryl) Schnabel; and her niece, Jessica Schnabel.

She will be remembered for her dedication to her profession, her love of family, and her enduring kindness. Memorials can be written to the Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control or to St. Joseph United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne. Barbara will be laid to rest at Concordia Cemetery, Fort Wayne. All services are private.