Barbara B. Smith, long time Dune Acres resident, died of natural causes, Tuesday, October 28, at her home. She was 79.

She was born January 7, 1924, to Frederick and Barbara Bates.

She married Richard J. Smith in Hinsdale, Ill., in 1948, and moved to Dune Acres. He preceded her in death in 1974.

Surviving are her children, R. Jefferson Smith, Ann Storrar, and Thomas B. Smith; 6 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Frederick Bates, who died in 1995.

She grew up in Hinsdale, Ill., and graduated from high school there. She attended Milwaukee Downer College in Wis. for two years before joining the war effort to work for the Red Cross. Following the war, she worked as a medical illustrator in Chicago.

She was active on many Dune Acres committees, including the first social committee, and ran the youth tennis program for a number of years. She also served on the Northern Indiana Planned Parenthood Board. Recently she was working with the Dune Acres Historical Commission and was active in both the Chesterton and Dune Acres bridge clubs and the Dune Acres Book Club.

Barbara loved the dunes and all their wildlife, especially the birds. She also had a special fondness for dogs and raised many beloved family dogs. She enjoyed reading and was knowledgeable on many subjects.

Graveside services were held for Barbara in Telluride, Colo., on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Memorial contributions may be made to Save the Dunes, or The Nature Conservancy.

Posted 11/12/2003