The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Barbara Skala. Memory eternal.
The link to the funeral services video stream, at the request of the family, for extended family and friends not able to be at the services in person is available at: https://fb.watch/BNynaMadsY/
Barbara Skala
Barbara Skala, age 79, of Ogden Dunes, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, with her family by her side.
Barbara was born January 12, 1946, in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, to Nikola and Jagoda Sever. After World War II, the family moved to Gary, IN, when her father, Nikola, was discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps. She attended Gary Public Schools from kindergarten through her graduation from Horace Mann High School. Barbara then went on to Indiana University in Bloomington and later completed her nursing degree at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.
On May 23, 1987, Barbara married the love of her life and soul mate, Frank Skala. They spent six years living in California before returning to make their home in Ogden Dunes, IN. More recently, they enjoyed winters together at their second home in Bonita Springs, Florida.
Barbara was a lifelong church member of St. Sava and supporting member of the St. Sava Kolo, St. Sava Choir, and previous member of the St. Sava Historical Society. Frank and Barbara are devoted supporters of the children in Serbia through Lifeline Chicago. Inspired by her own joyful experiences at St. Sava Camp in Libertyville, IL, she extended her generosity to help sponsor a camp in Serbia for children from orphanages as well as those living in Kosovo.
During her professional career, she was Vice President of Nursing at several hospitals in California and Indiana. She was also the Team Nurse of the Oakland Raiders Football team.
Barbara took great pride in being a Teta to her nieces and nephew and had a strong and positive influence on their lives and her Kumovi’s lives.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Nikola and Jagoda. She is survived by her husband, Frank Skala; sister, Ruth Ann Sever; brothers, Dan (Linda) and Nick (Melanie); along with her nephew, Brent; and nieces, Tasha, Brianna and Brooke. She will be missed by family, Kumovi, and friends.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family! Barb was always supportive and generous with her time to help others. I have so many fond memories and will miss her. Memory Eternal ☦️
My condolences to Frank, Ruth, Nick, and Dan and the entire Sever family. May she rest in peace and her memory be eternal ✝️
Auntie Ruthie and family,
I am so beyond sorry to hear of Auntie Bobbie’s passing. She meant so much to my mom and I’m so heartbroken to hear of her passing. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Love Marcy Shulman
Barbara & Frank have been our closest of friends for over30 years.
We cherish the many moments that we shared together that are indelibly engraved in our memories. Barbara & Frank are part of our family
and we will relive the moments we spent together.
Barbara was a force of nature, always distributing kindnesses to others with a remarkable presence of capability, strength and empathy.
Her friendship is a blessing that is held in our hearts and minds forever.
Love,
Linda & Michael Marcus
Roger Weir