Barbara Conaway (Shanner) Merrillville IN – passed away with family at her side in hospice care at Lincolnshire, Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Survived by her children Kim (Mike Baker), Chuck (Freda Vossburg), and Kristy (Vince Galambos), Barb was the grandmother of nine (Jared, Lauren, Ashley, Megan, Kristin, Kathryn, Aelinor, Cady, and Sarah), the great-grandmother of nine (Jaida, Landyn, Lennox, Kylee, Mason, Chase, Rio, Layth and Enso), and the sister-in-law of four (Jackie, Margie, Kathy, and Cosette).

Barb was born in Hammond IN and graduated from Hammond High School in 1955. She attended Ball State University and was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She met the love of her life, Allen B. Conaway, at Ball State and married him in 1958. They were married  for 60 years at the time of his passing in 2018. Barb worked for the Indiana State Teachers Association for over 20 years. Throughout the 1970s, Barb was very much involved in Griffith Girls Softball, serving as score keeper, team mom, and Secretary of the league. However, her passion belonged to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She started as a member of the Griffith Junior Woman’s Club. From town club, to County to State to Region, Barb held many administrative positions, including State President, with much pride. She supported Indiana University football (and all other IU sports) for 68 years. She was also a tried-and-true fan of the Chicago Bears.

In recent years, Barbara was a beloved resident at Belvedere Senior Housing and will miss the staff and friends she made there. She was a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Hobart, IN.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at date and place to be announced. Interment will be private. For further information, please call Mileva at 219-736-5840.