|
Barbara (Houdeshell)
Skinner
Our loving Mother Barbara (Houdeshell) Skinner went to be with the lord
on Jan. 24th, 2021. She was 73 years young.
She was born on July 14, 1947, in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Donovan
Houdeshell and Phyllis (Gibson) Cheadle.
In addition to her parents, Barb was proceeded in death by her husband
of nearly 56 years, Richard; her two Brothers, Chester "Chet" Cheadle
and Greg Cheadle. All of whom she has dearly missed and will be waiting
to greet her in Heaven.
She is survived by a son, Richard "Rick" and his wife, Kris, and their
two children, Katelyn and Kyle; her daughter, Julie Skinner and her
son, Brayden. She is also survived by her brothers, Donovan "Don"
Houdeshell of Asotin, Washington state, Ronald Houdeshell of Dayton,
Ohio; and a sister, Bonnie Rodgers, and husband, Dave, of Dayton; and
several nieces and nephews.
Barb truly loved life and spending time with her family and friends.
She loved making and creating things throughout the year that she could
share with others. Things such as wonderful meals, ceramics, homemade
greeting cards to scrapbooks, anything that she thought would bring
joy, beauty, or happiness to someone's life. But the thing Barb loved
the most and she will probably most be remembered for was her love of
flowers, herbs, and gardening! She loved sharing her knowledge of
herbs, plants with anyone that would listen or take them. She was
always giving away a start of a plant or something she grew in her
greenhouse. She took her love of gardening to another level as she was
a long-time member of the Ladybug Garden Club where she served in many
leadership roles over the years.
There are many words we could use to describe Barb's life, but Faithful
Servant would be the most appropriate. Not only was she a wonderful
Mom, selflessly serving her family, but she was a faithful servant of
Jesus and her church family at Gospel Baptist Church. Barb was always
looking for ways to serve others, her friends, and her community.
To say serving others was her lifelong calling is an understatement.
This started early in life as she began working as a young teenager
waitressing in her Aunt's corner café in Arcanum and continued as a
waitress for many years at Schumeth's restaurant in Greenville, all
while raising a family. Her life of service continued for 23 years as
she sacrificed, weekends, nights, and holidays to help others as a
Deputy 911 Dispatcher at the Darke County Sheriff's Office. After she
retired in 2007 she found herself spending her free time serving as an
auctioneer's assistant and clerk for Mike Baker and Jim Wroda, where
she made many more lifelong friends.
When Barb was not helping others, spending time in flowerbeds, or at an
auction, you could find her cheering for one of her grandchildren at a
sporting event, or some special event they were involved in. She loved
to travel! It did not matter if it was just a Sunday drive to visit
friends or one of many family fishing and hunting trips to Canada,
Montana and New Mexico, she always enjoyed an adventure! One of her
most favorite trips was the two months she and Richard spent driving to
Alaska in their truck camper.
Although Barb dedicated her life to helping others, her greatest
passion and accomplishment was raising her family. Though only being
five feet tall, she was a gentle giant, but she could also be a force
to be reckoned with. Barb was, in life as she was in her death, a
Fighter and a Survivor! She was a breast cancer survivor of over eight
years and a fighter up until she took her last breath. So much so, she
earned the nickname "Rocky" from her nurses.
"Mom, you've fought the good fight and now your work is done. Fly high
with the angels as there is no doubt you've earned your wings! Rest
easy you beautiful soul."
A memorial celebration of Barb's life will be held at Greenville Union
Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Barb would love a donation be made on her behalf
to: State of the Heart Care, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio
45331. www.stateoftheheartcare.org
Barb's family has entrusted Tribute Funeral Homes to handle her final
arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.Tributefuneralhomes.com
|
