Barbara Jean (Messenger) Sladick

Barbara Jean (Messenger) Sladick, 81, made her transition on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. She was born June 28, 1943, in Hardin County, Ohio.

Barbara never met a stranger and had a brilliant smile that could lighten your heart. In 1978, Barbara and Richard moved their young family to Sarasota, Florida, and enjoyed many years in the beautiful sunshine and lovely warm weather. Barbara loved the beach and found comfort in watching a good rain storm. She was forever fascinated with flight and liked watching airplanes overhead and at the airport. She was a trend setter with her edgy hairstyles and felt like a rebel when she wore her red nail polish.

She was preceded in death by Richard Paul Sladick (husband), Calvin Messenger (father), Nellie Rapp Messenger (mother), Wayne Messenger (brother), Marshall Messenger (brother), and Michelle Messenger (sister-in-law).

She is survived by Lara Sladick (Alex-partner and Carissa), Tara Sladick (Nicholas Forson, Christopher Forson, Nemean Sladick, and Dartagn’an Sladick), Amber Sladick Boudreaux (Ella and Trixie), Anna Sladick Newman (Ben-spouse), Richard Paul Sladick II (Heather-spouse, Logan, Connor, and Scarlett), Carol Messenger, Marvin Messenger (Cheryl) and Eldon Jay Messenger (Kathy). She is also survived by a host of beloved nieces and nephews; cherished brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; and her darling great-granddaughter, Sophia Forson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to support dementia research or any charity of choice that will honor Barbara’s life and memory.

On, Friday, November 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., the family will hold a celebration of life at the Unity Church of Christianity, 15255 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70817. All are invited to join the family for this celebration.