Barbara Jane Douglass

Our beloved mother, Barbara (Babs) Jane Douglass, passed away February 8, 2026, in Indianapolis, surrounded by her loving family. We will cherish her memory as a guiding hand, a caring spirit and a source of inspiration.

Babs was born in Indianapolis on July 6, 1942, the second of six children of George and Jane Douglass. A devout Catholic, and long time parishioner of St. Mary's Cathedral in Lafayette, she attended St. Agnes High School in Indianapolis, graduating in 1960.

In her professional life, Babs worked at Purdue before becoming a successful, long-term business owner in Lafayette. She finished her career at Indiana Design Consortium and went on to enjoy a long retirement. We will always remember, and marvel at, the dedication she showed raising her family as a single mother while balancing the demands of business ownership.

Those who knew our mother knew she was a 'Jane of all trades'. Early in life she became a curious observer of her parents, relatives and friends. Through this observation, she learned electrical work, plumbing, tile work, ceramics, stained glass art, painting and more. This lifelong learning continues to motivate and inspire us today. Looking back, it seems our mother could do anything she set her mind to. She leaves behind wonderful artwork that will always remind us of the gift of curiosity, learning and hard work.

Babs is survived by her boys and their spouses: Chris (and Sharon) Pounds, Tony Pounds, Ed (and Kim) Pounds, Geoff Pounds, Brian (and Missy) Pounds and David Pounds. As well as 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Bill Douglass, Mary Kemp, Mike (and Cathy) Douglass and Pat Douglass. Babs was preceded in death by her parents, brother George (Butch) Douglass and grandson, Colin Michael Pounds.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lafayette, IN on Saturday, May 16th at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend a celebration of life gathering immediately following the service at Walt's Other Pub, 3001 S Ninth St, in Lafayette.