Mrs. Barbara J. Enyart, 84, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9:47 AM on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at her home.
On April 22, 1939, Barbara Jean Emigh was born in Knox. She was a cherished daughter of Chester and Lillian Byrne Emigh. Growing up Barbara shared her childhood with three sisters, Gerry, Betty and Bonny. In 1957 she graduated from Knox High School.
In Rochester, Barbara married the love of her life Mr. Emerson W. Enyart on September 27, 1970. They shared 49 years of life’s adventures blending their beautiful families and adding a legacy of the blessings of two more generations. Sadly, he passed away on September 21, 2019.
As entrepreneurs Barbara and Emerson founded Enyart's Discount Store in 1975 on the south edge of Rochester. With a vision for the future, three years later they acquired the "True Value" distinction, and their hardware was known as Enyart’s True Value Hardware.
With Emerson at her side, Barbara witnessed and was a part of a great evolution of change in the retail hardware industry. She was on the cutting edge, with a vision for the future embracing success with strategic planning, unparalleled customer service and hard work! The business has prevailed and offers the customers supplies from electric, plumbing, paint and a variety of home improvement projects.
Barbara, Emerson and their work family were there to make suggestions on the most effective methods of completing projects. Revered and loved by her customers, with a professional demeanor, she greeted everyone with a warm smile and was ready to share her knowledge and willing to assist them by answering questions they asked. If the item of need wasn't in stock, Barbara would pencil it in for the next delivery truck in a few short days. After 45 years of life in the hardware, Barbara semi-retired in 2020, but continued to oversee the daily operations until her passing.
The legacy and principles of the Enyarts are noted when every customer enters their store. The Enyart Family work team rolls in to operation of assistance, kindness and direction in a homelike, family atmosphere. Both Emerson and Barbara are greatly missed, but the traditions and hospitality they established and offered as a part of their core philosophy continue to be a great part of the success of their iconic hardware that has supported our community with all of our home improvement endeavors.
In the early days, Barbara rolled many games of bowling at Knox's Bowl-Away Lanes. More recently she enjoyed Bunco and the challenges of Sudoku. Barbara followed Purdue Men's Basketball team - - Boiler Up! A favorite past time was looking out the living room picture window and watching traffic on US 31.
Barbara will be lovingly remembered by six children; Janet Daake and life companion Trent Powell, Keith Eskridge and wife Misty all of Rochester, Sherry Wisler of Elkhart, Linda Rasnick of Brookston, Cathy Enyart-Prewitt of Copley, OH, Gary Enyart and wife Gina of Rochester; 15 grandchildren, Grace Daake, Isaac Michael “Zak” Daake, Abigail Powell, Ivy Powell, Mitchell Powell, Jennifer Oliver and significant other Jay Schlosser, Larry Green and wife Jessica, Angelique Wisler, Megan Martin and husband Bradley, Jocelyn Rasnick, Gretchen Longfellow and husband David, Margot Beesley and husband Bob, Lisa Rupple and partner Tim, Adam Wayne Enyart and wife Amber, Audrey A. Enyart, ; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Gerry Trigg of Knox; two sisters-in-law Norma Becker of Rochester, Patricia Enyart of South Bend and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the many friends, clients and her loving work family who truly adored and treasured her.
Preceding Barbara in death are her parents, beloved husband Emerson, son Michael Eskridge, grandson David Eskridge, two sisters, Betty Keiser and Bonny Olson.
A celebration of the life of Barbara Jean Enyart will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 25, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Mr. Mike Murphy will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 10 -1 on Monday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1476 W. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
