Barbara J. Gehris

Barbara J. Gehris, 95, of indianapolis, passed away on April 22, 2026. She was born in Frankfort, KY to Homer L. Barton and Frances Barton. She lived her childhood in Indiana, West Virginia, and Virginia. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1952 with a degree in arts and design. She was married to Joseph Linington Gehris Ill of Reading PA, on August 30, 1952 for 62 years. She returned to Indianapolis with Joe in 1953 to begin his physical therapy career, first with Community Hospital (East), then working with him in Arlington Community Physical Therapy. For twenty years, she made a lovely home for Jan, Jodi and Joe. She provided leadership to Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, PTA, and women's circle at First Trinity Lutheran. She served as church secretary for a time. Barb was very skilled in all the needle arts, and interior design. She enjoyed planning family camping vacations across the country, and later retirement travel. Some of her travel was spent researching Gehris and Barton family genealogy, well back into 10 generations. She and Joe enjoyed a number of years at their home in Sweetwater Lake. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters, her husband Joseph L Gehris Ill, and son Joseph L Gehris, IV. She is survived by her daughters Janine L, Gehris of Indianapolis, Jodi Gehris Petry (Neil) of Durham, NC and daughter-in-law Lori Urias-Gehris of Fishers; and granddaughters Amelia Petry of Arlington VA and Megan Gehris of Fishers.

A celebration of life will occur at Servants of Christ (SOC) Lutheran Church at 7650 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis |N 46250 on Saturday May 2nd, at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10am.

Memorials can be made to Servants of Christ Memorial Garden.