Remembering Emma
Emma Grace Barnett
Emma loved to laugh, to go somewhere she’d never been, and to spend time with her friends and family. She grew up in Harlan, Indiana, and was a proud member of Leo High School’s Class of 2024. She had an adventurous streak and a gift for making friends wherever she went.
Emma paid attention to people who felt left out. She made room for them, and she cared about what they were going through. She loved exploring new places and being outdoors, especially when she could share the experience with someone she loved. For Emma, friendship meant making sure people felt like they belonged.
Emma passed away on October 4, 2025, at 19. She is still our daughter, our sister, and our friend. We miss hearing her laugh and having her with us. We carry her with us when we reach out to someone who feels alone, when we make room for one more person, and when we say yes to an adventure with the people we love.
That’s the part of Emma’s legacy we get to carry forward together. We want to recognize young people for the kindness they show, stay in touch with grieving families long after the first weeks, and bring people together outside. These are some of the ways we can pass on the care Emma gave so freely.