Barbara Jane Kilmer

Barbara J. Kilmer, of Indianapolis, IN, passed into Glory on Sunday, March 1, 2026. She was born to Henry and Elta (Rohrer) Kilmer on August 21, 1945, in Wadsworth, OH. Barb grew up in a large, joyful Christian family, one of nine children—seven girls and two boys. She is survived by three siblings, Mervin Kilmer, Donna Andrews, and Phyllis Horner, and many nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Barb dearly.

Barb learned about Jesus’ love at an early age and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior during Vacation Bible school. The strong spiritual heritage her parents provided, the regular visits of missionaries into their home, and the influence of a church with a focus on missions all contributed to Barb’s lifelong dedication to missions.

Barb graduated from Wadsworth High School and then attended Fort Wayne Bible College where she received a bachelor’s degree in missions. In 1968, Barb applied to and was accepted by One Mission Society (OMS) in Greenwood, IN, for a two-month temporary job serving as the secretary for World Intercessors. The temp job turned into a 43-year career of dedicated service at OMS World Headquarters where she worked in various departments. She also participated in several short-term mission trips to Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, and Hong Kong. After retiring in 2011, Barb continued volunteering at OMS.

Barb was a member of Southport Presbyterian Church and enjoyed serving in many ways, including the music ministry. She found great joy and contentment in the simpler things of life: worshiping her Lord, spending time with family, hearing the laughter of a child, and observing the changes to trees through the seasons of the year. Barb was a wonderful example of how a humble life, focused upon serving others with love for the glory of her Lord and Savior, is a life well lived.

The surviving family thanks the staff of Rosegate Commons Senior Living who cared wonderfully for Barb in her final years, Southport Presbyterian Church for allowing Barb to utilize her varied gifts and talents through serving, and the OMS family for the care and concern provided to Barb, not only during her tenure but even to her final days.

 A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:30 pm, at Maple Hill Mennonite Cemetery, 9685 Mennonite Road, Rittman, Ohio US 44270.

Memorial donations in Barb’s honor can be made to One Mission Society, P.O. Box A, Greenwood, IN 46142, and reference the Central Theological Endowment Fund - Account #465840.