Barbara Dee Stull

Barbara Dee Stull, 93, peacefully passed away on April 5, 2026, in Palm Harbor, FL. She was born on September 4, 1932, in Brookville, PA, to Philip and Delva Bierly.

Barbara led an active life until Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration took their toll in her later years. Even as her body began to fail, her mind remained as sharp as ever. Her knowledge of presidential and American history was nearly encyclopedic, and she loved her daily trivia challenges. She will be remembered for embracing life to the fullest, balancing her focus on the three "Fs"—Faith, Family, and Friends—while working hard to build a purposeful and meaningful life.

Many of Barbara's lifelong interests were shaped during her formative years in Brookville, PA. Music was a big part of her life, not just singing, which many people knew her for, but also playing several musical instruments, along with her father, brothers (Tom and Ed), and cousins. Family nights at the YMCA meant spending time swimming in the pool with her friends or knocking down pins at the bowling alley. Her father even built a tennis court on their property, allowing others in the community to use it freely. Barbara's dedication to serving both her church and community throughout her life was rooted in her parents' volunteer work in the church and school, serving in leadership roles and even growing the flowers that her mother used to arrange floral arrangements for the altar.

When Barbara was eight, her family moved to North Canton, Ohio, where she continued to build the foundation of a life centered on the three Fs. She built lasting friendships throughout her life that started with Anne Bierly Gormish, her "double" cousin (their fathers were brothers and their mothers were sisters). For many years, Barbara went back to Pennsylvania to spend a month every summer with Anne's family, forging a close bond that lasted their entire lives. Barbara's best friend in North Canton was JoAnn Grove, who later became her Maid of Honor. They sang duets together in the choir, at the Rotary Club, and other places throughout their youth. She was active in the youth fellowship group at church, and she loved going to movies and playing pool at the community center with her quickly expanding circle of close friends. It was through her friends that she met her future husband, Ned, when they were 13 and 14 years old.

On September 1, 1951, Barbara and Ned married and began their life together that would span over 66 years. The early years of their marriage involved frequent moves while Ned attended Muskingum College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, living briefly in New Concord, Pittsburgh, and Massillon before buying a house in Austintown and settling into the community. During this time, their young family grew to include four children. In Austintown, they met Vernon and Jody Smith who would become lifelong friends. The Smiths even bought a second home close to where Ned and Barbara eventually settled in Florida so they could actively be part of each other's lives.

In 1963, the family moved to Florida where their last child was born. They quickly re-established themselves in church and civic communities, building strong relationships along the way. Their first stop was Miramar. During this time, Barbara would classify herself primarily as a "homemaker," staying home to manage the busy schedules and demands of five children. However, from the age of 14 on, she held a variety of jobs, including working in an ice cream shop and factory; in banks as a cashier and bookkeeper; waitressing in a diner; serving as a night shift attendant at mental hospitals in both Ohio and Florida; working as a survey interviewer; at the Greyhound Racetrack; and at election polls—among other roles to help support their many activities and travels. Additionally, she did a lot of volunteer work in her children's schools, took on leadership roles in the church and community, sang in the choir, and kept a busy schedule playing tennis and playing cards with many dear friends.

A high point of Barbara's life was realized when, in 1975, after years devoted to raising her family, she was finally able to begin her own college and career journey. She worked nights at South Florida State Hospital while attending Florida International University for her undergraduate degree. Then she began working nights at the law library while earning her Juris Doctor from Nova University Center for the Study of Law (now Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law). During law school, she published articles in the Law Review and earned several awards. After seven grueling years of balancing her family, church, school, and civic responsibilities, she was ready to begin her career as a lawyer. At age 50, she was hired by Janet Reno (who later served as U.S. Attorney General) at the Dade County State Attorney's Office.

In 1988, Barbara and Ned moved to Port St. Lucie and built a home on the river that served as a focal point for many family gatherings. Bocce ball, croquet, and swimming in the pool were among the activities the family enjoyed, but the grandchildren will tell you their favorite memory is when Grandma and Grandpa took them out on their boat to ski, tube, fish, and search for manatees and alligators. Of course, tennis became an even more important part of their life while in Port St. Lucie. Meanwhile, Barbara continued her legal career working for the Department of Children and Families in Martin County, eventually moving to Hobe Sound in 2003 to establish another chapter in their story. Barbara finally settled into working only part-time doing appellate work for Martin County (until age 75) so she could be an active participant in her new community (Eaglewood Country Club) and church (First United Methodist Church of Hobe Sound). While tennis was still a big part of their lives, Barbara added golf to her list of activities. She continued singing in the choir and even performed and sang in several community theatre events. Three of the friends she met while singing in the choir at Miramar United Methodist Church, Joan Redlhammer, Donna Scott, and Sandy Fankhauser played cards and games together nearly every week for many years. They even traveled to Hobe Sound frequently to continue their close friendship.

Barbara was also known for her adventurous spirit and love of travel. She and Ned explored much of North America, traveled to Europe several times, bungee-jumped in Costa Rica, cruised in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Northern Europe, attended two summer Olympics (Los Angeles and Atlanta), and spent many vacations at the beach on Hutchinson Island and the mountains at Lake Tahoe with friends and family.

Above all, Barbara's greatest joy was her family. Barbara is survived by a large and loving family made up of four children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ned Stull and oldest child, Debra Kroeger. Her children's families are as follows: Doug Stull (Adrianne) - Ian Stull; L'orien DeVos (Jon) and their son Lincoln. Judy Hickman (Mike) - Jon Hickman (Sarah) and grandchildren Carter, Addison, and Delaney; Jarrod Hickman (Angie) and grandsons Brooks and Brady; Jessica Fason (Troy) and granddaughters Deanna, Arwen, and River; Josh Humble (Gwen) and granddaughters Paige, Avery, and Sophia; Laurel Beach (Adam) and granddaughters Isabella and Rebecca. Jo Beth Stull and her daughter Carlee. Jamey Stull - Rachel Stull; Troy Stull (Megan) and grandson Luke. Debra Kroeger (deceased) - Scott Kroeger; Cory Kroeger (Mary) and grandchildren Owen, Charlie, and Lucy; Lindsay Webb (Buddy) and grandchildren Maddox and Kellen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 16, 2026, at Bayside Church in Panama City, FL at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Barbara will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her, and by all whose lives were made better because of her.