Barbara E. Risinger

Barbara E. Risinger, 72, entered eternal glory on August 23, 2025. She was born June 18, 1953, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, to Dr. Kenneth and Mable Crose. With her father being a professor, the family moved often during her early years. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, through middle school, before settling in Anderson, Indiana.

Barbara graduated from Anderson High School in 1971 and Anderson University in 1975. She attended St. Francis University and became a registered nurse—a career she faithfully carried out for 40 years. She served with St. John's Hospital for 20 years, Community Hospital for 10 years, and later became the Director of Nursing at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation.

A devoted Christian, Barbara lived a life marked by compassion and care for others. She loved her family deeply, had a gift for music—especially singing—and studied voice at Anderson University. She also found great joy in gardening, flowers, and drawing close to nature. Animals seemed naturally drawn to her. Even after health challenges led her to retire early, she filled her days with creativity through painting, sketching, sewing, knitting, and making jewelry.

One of her happiest places was on the back porch of the family’s lake cottage at Yellow Creek Lake Campground in Claypool, Indiana, coffee and iPad in hand, peacefully watching the water and the swans. She was especially captivated by the swans teaching their young—something she related to as a loving, protective, and nurturing mother and grandmother. Barbara was a fierce momma bear, having a touch of sass, but she had a way of making people feel cared for.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 ½ years, Steven Risinger; children Ben (Courtney) Risinger, Steve (Tami) Fridley, and Nick (Meghan) Risinger; grandchildren Mackenzie Fridley, Ivan Risinger, and Knox Risinger; siblings Richard (Denise) Crose, Ruth(Ken) Riportella, and David (Brenda) Crose; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved Basset Hound and nap buddy, Sadie Mae.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Kenneth and Mable (Fedor) Crose; brother, Doug Crose; and grandparents Dr. John D. and Pearl Crose, and Andrew and Anna Fedor.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Eastside Church of God in Anderson, with visitation from 11am to 1pm. The service will start at 1pm with Kerry Robinson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Risinger Scholarship Fund at Anderson University.