Barbara Ann Karlan

Barbara Ann (Allram ) Karlan (Kendrick) January 16, 1934 – January 24, 2026

Barbara Ann Karlan  92, of Zionsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026.

Barbara was born on January 16, 1934, on her beloved family farm in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. The land was homesteaded by her Austrian ancestors, and Barbara took great joy in sharing stories of the farm and her family’s rich history — from her mother Ida Score Allram’s Norwegian roots to her father Edwin Allram’s family emigration journey from Austria to the United States and establishment of the homestead rural dairy farm that is still in production by the fifth generation of the Allram family today. She cherished the idyllic, pastoral, (hard working!,) life on the farm with her beloved “baby brother,” Gary (Connie,) adored sisters Audrey (Morris,) and Betty (Selvin,) always keeping their dear departed sister Joan who passed in her first year in their hearts.

Barbara earned her teaching degree in Chetek, Wisconsin, and began her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Aurora, Illinois — a profession she truly loved. On July 5, 1958, she married Douglas Kendrick, and together they welcomed two children, Rodney and Linda. In 1965, the family relocated to San Jose, California. In 1967, Barbara took a part-time job that became one of the great joys of her life: a position at the Los Gatos Memorial Public Library. She worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1996. Barbara treasured her many friendships at the library and was famous for her playful, outrageous sense of humor — including the legendary day she rented a gorilla suit and sat reading a newspaper as the staff (and her boss) arrived at work.After the library, Barbara worked in administration at Los Gatos Community Hospital and briefly at the nearby Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. She was a dedicated runner and deeply involved in many communities during her California years: international folk dancing in Saratoga, meditation groups, and numerous book clubs. She was among the first licensed child advocates in San Jose and took heartfelt care of the foster and social service children she served.

In 2002  Barbara retired from California and moved to Zionsville, Indiana, to be near her daughter Linda and grandson Erik. There, she continued her lifelong love of learning and connection — joining book clubs, participating in international folk dancing, and pursuing master classes in whatever sparked her curiosity… even yodeling. Her training as a healing therapist with the Pilgrimage Healers at St. Luke’s in Indianapolis became a powerful source of purpose, positive energy, and dear friendships.Barbara is survived by her son, Rodney Kendrick (Sandee); her daughter, Linda K. Kendrick Batker (Earl); and her three grandchildren, Erik Batker, Ryan Kendrick, and Zoe Kendrick. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Gary (Connie) Allram, and all her 14 beloved nieces & nephews, as well as her MANY friends who adored her. 

Barbara’s life was defined by curiosity, compassion, humor, and heart. She will be remembered for her fierce love of people, books, laughter, learning, and service. She made every room brighter — sometimes in a gorilla suit — and every life she touched richer. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers - Barbara asked that anyone feeling compelled to share - please donate to the charity or humane society/ shelter of your choice -

Barbara’s favorite charity to aid families in countries facing hardships is Heifer International- offering long term solutions to hunger and poverty 

Heifer International     heifer.org