D. June Harbison

Friday, August 21, 2009

D. June Harbison passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009.

She was born to Clarence and Goldie Clouse Humphrey. She married Ivan C. Harbison on Aug. 1, 1935.

Serving as a 4-H leader in Clinton Township, Mrs. Harbison taught 4-H'ers to sew. She loved to crochet and knit, crocheting names for many, and enjoyed making and painting her own lampshades, etching aluminum trays, and making wall decorations from tin cans. She also taught crocheting and knitting classes. Painting and stenciling were also part of her craft works.

As a member of the Union Chapel Church, she taught Sunday School for many years. Educated in the Bainbridge and Clinton Center schools, she graduated in 1932 from Clinton Center High School and attended Indiana University for one year.

She was a member of the O.E.S. chapters in Morton, Bainbridge and Groveland, receiving her 75th membership pin in February. She was a charter member of the Clinton Homemakers Extension Club, was elected to serve as president of the Putnam County extension clubs in 1962. In serving as district representative for homemakers, she coordinated a tour to Washington, D.C. through Congressman John Myers' and Senator Richard Lugar's offices. She served on state and national committees, receiving an award at national conference on citizenship. She also prepared a session at homemakers conference at Purdue University. Her great love in the homemakers program was maintaining the histories of the Putnam County clubs. In later years she was also a member of the Happier Homes Club. In 1988, she hosted exchange homemaker Yvonne Moore from New Zealand, and later visited Moore at her home.

Survivors include her daughter Katherine Harbison, a niece, nephew and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and a foster son.

Private services will be held. At her request, cremation was chosen. The Cremation Society of Indianapolis is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Putnam County Senior Center c/o Kyle Hutchison, 9 W. Franklin St., Greencastle, IN 46135.