Barbara James Lugar, born April 8, 1917, passed away on April 13, 2015. Barbara was preceded in passing by her husband of over 70 years, Ervin V. Lugar. They met in Northern Indiana and complemented each other well- meeting each other''s needs- supporting the other''s strengths. Barbara and Erv married in June of 1941. She attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and proceeded to teach piano for the next 50 years in Whiting, Indiana and Whittier, California. Their three children, Gary Lance of Pittsburgh, PA, Larry James of Eads, TN and Sven Allen of Washington State (all still living) were the beneficiaries of their great personal sacrifice in moving from Indiana to California to improve their educational opportunities. They transitioned from being big fish in a little pond to one more resident of the Los Angeles basin. Barbara is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Fessenden of Linden, Utah, 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson and many students whose lives she inspired. To many outsiders they were quiet and even shy individuals. We knew them as loving, self-sacrificing and humble parents who were absolutely devoted to their friends and family. Let it suffice to end with this quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning "Earth is crammed full with heaven, and every common bush afire with God- but only (she ) who sees, takes off (her) shoes." Their spirituality was so very easy to see, they walked humbly and brought a little bit of heaven to this earthly existence. They will be missed, but what they have left us will be cherished always. Hopefully, we can do justice to their example. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Barbara was a member of Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Memphis. In lieu of flowers, please send any donation to Opera Memphis, the Beethoven Club or Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, East
(901)382-1000