Barbara Jean Traeger, 54, died at home with her family Dec. 15, 2008 after a brief illness.
Born in Massillon, Ohio, she was a 1973 graduate of Massillon Washington High School where she was a head majorette and a 1976 graduate of Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing. Barbara was the founder of the Broken Nine Iron Memorial Tournament which benefits Summa's Nursing Education. An avid golfer, Barbara was the Ladies Club Champion at Rosemont Country Club in 1999 and two years later founded the Girls Golf Team at Revere High School. She was an accomplished gardener and dancer, and a devoted wife and mother.
Preceded in death by husband of 25 years, Sheldon M. Traeger, M.D. and father-in-law, Luck Traeger, she is survived by son, Daniel; daughter, Joanna (Tim) Hollister, all of Akron; parents, Charles and Ruth Yoder of Massillon; siblings, Ed (Carol) Yoder of Crossville, Tenn., Linda (Paul) Shanor of Massillon, Jennifer (Michael) Hallett of Ostrander, Ohio, and Traci (James) Ely of Laurelville, Ohio; mother-in-law, Shirley Traeger of Beachwood; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Debbie) Traeger of Beachwood; sister-in-law, Dr. Laurel (Dr. Ian) MacKinnon of Brisbane, Australia; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, followed by visitation from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cooper Cancer Center, c/o the Summa Foundation, P.O. Box 2090, Akron, OH 44398.
(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)

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Cathy Holcomb
February 10, 2009
Danny and Jo,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I liked your mom alot and I know she will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. I think often of our time dancing together at the Jewish Center. I hope God will give you peace and comfort.
Alexa Petersen
January 5, 2009
Dan and Joanna:
Many wonderful memories of your mother and your family fill my heart at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Alexa
Daniel Traeger
December 27, 2008
To all of you whom have shown us the support and kindess recently, please accept a humble thank you from me and my family. My mother was truly an angel on this earth. Our Prayers and
Blessings to all of you.
rebecca rowan
December 26, 2008
Dear Jo and Danny,
I was so fortunate to have your mom in my life as my best friend. To quote Aristotle, "A true friend is one soul in two bodies." Love, Rebecca
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Evelyn Eshelman
December 22, 2008
Dan and Joanna, I met your mother 24 yrs ago at an exercise class for pregnant women. We became instant friends. She had such a contagious smile and laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. She will always be in my heart.
December 21, 2008
Dan,
Gene and I were so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know you and your family are in our prayers and we send our deepest sympathy. We both are here if you ever want to stop by.
Gene and Shirley Mercer
Lynette D'Amico-Johnson
December 21, 2008
Yoder & Traeger Family,
Barb and I were roomates in nursing
school and we shared our first apartment together. Needless to say there was never a dull moment. When I think of Barb, I think of fun, laughter and her great wit. You have my deepest sympathy and you are in my prayers.
Richard D. Latieemur
December 21, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Carl Cormany
December 20, 2008
To all of Barb's family,
Barb was, without question, one of the most fun people to be around when we were in high school. After high school, our paths did not cross much, but it was always a pleasure when they did. Even in the sadness of her loss, the thought of Barb brings a smile to my face.
Frank Gengo
December 20, 2008
Barb will be missed by all who knew her. Deep condolences to the family.
Edye (Mulnick) Skidmore
December 20, 2008
Dear Barb's Family,
We were close friends in high school. I was the cheerleader and she was the majorette. We were crazy girls. I was her only Jewish friend. We lost touch for awhile but she called me when she got engaged to Sheldon. We have talked once a year ever since. I was so shocked to hear this terrible news. I did not even know she was sick. I will always cherish my friendship with Barb and think of her with a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.
Chaplain Elaine Henderson
December 20, 2008
Dan, Joanna and family,
I was so sad to learn of your mother's death. She was such a character! My memories of her are filled with golf, American Idol, red wine and her smile and laughter. I cannot imagine what you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you adjust to life without her physical presence.
Jerry Dugan
December 20, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Dena (Slicker) DeVaughn
December 19, 2008
Barb was one of my closest friends in high school, we were majorettes together and I wouldn't trade my memories of those times for anything. She had the best sense of humor. She will remain unforgettable. My condolences for your loss....
Gail (Kandle) Vogt
December 19, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort, and help you smile as you remember a wonderful lady's life.
Laura and Dan Edwards
December 19, 2008
Joanna and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady, a great golf coach and I will never forget her! You are in our thoughts.
Shanna & Steve Wagner
December 19, 2008
Jo, Dan and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers durning this difficult time, and in the days and months to come. We are here if you need anything.
Larry DeVaughn
December 19, 2008
To Barb's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sarah Arbuckle (De Vaughn)
December 19, 2008
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Barbara Yoder. She was a really good friend of my mothers and fathers in high school.
Stephanie Tan
December 19, 2008
Dear Dan and Joanna,
Your mom was "the cool nurse" on 5 north when I was a candy-striper 30 years ago! She never made me make beds and she loved playing practical jokes on Sara-Jane and my dad. These usually involved chocolate and creating fake specimens requiring "analysis" in the infectious disease lab. (Don't worry, no patients were harmed). She was very special and will be missed by many.
Jacob Best
December 19, 2008
Danny and Joanna,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts will be with you both.
Jacob
Bruce Lieber
December 19, 2008
Very sorry to hear about your mothers passing. My sincere condolences. I was an old high school friend of you fathers.
Bruce Lieber
Dan Schmotzer
December 19, 2008
God Bless this family. Coach Schmotzer
Chris Hearty
December 19, 2008
Joanna, I am besides words for your loss. My deepest and most sincere condolences go to you, your brother and the rest of your family. You are in my prayers.
~Chris
Ashley & Jake Piechocki
December 19, 2008
Dear Joanna, Dan & Extended Family,
Words cannot express our sympathy. Your mom was a wonderful woman and she will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Justin Yoder
December 19, 2008
Dear Ruth, Chuck and Ed
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all the rest of the Yoder family. Sincerely, Justin
Scott & Brandy Brewer
December 19, 2008
Dan,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
December 19, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Nancy Baker-Breen
December 19, 2008
My heart goes out to Dan and his family. Dan is a devoted son and showed a deep abiding love for both of his parents. My thoughts and prayers are with Dan and all of the Traeger family.
Betsy Cunningham
December 19, 2008
To your extended family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle and Chad Flory
December 18, 2008
Ruth, Chuck and Traci
So sorry for your loss.
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Darcene Selby
December 18, 2008
Dear Dan, Tim & Joanna, my heart goes out to all of you and your family, what a brave lady your mother was, she always had a smile to share and a twinkle in her eye. She will be missed. Hold close all the wonderful memories you have of her.
Love Darcene Selby
Erin Brown
December 18, 2008
joanna,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Sean and I are thinking of you guys!
DENNIS COYNE
December 18, 2008
The Yoder Family,
Thoughts & prayers are with you. Your family is one that I'll never forget. I think about you everytime we snuggle up in the afghan Ruth made. God bless you always.
Jerry yoder
December 18, 2008
Dear Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathies . Watching Barb grow up I always referred to her as skinny
minnie which I felt she enjoyed. I will miss her.
Uncle Jerry
Taylor Bobinchuck
December 18, 2008
Joanna, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful coach for our very special golf team and was always full of positive energy. May she be remembered always -- our team will never forget her.
Gary Brown
December 18, 2008
A beautiful lady has moved on to greener pastures. She enriched our lives. Thank you, Barbara.
......Margot Linden & Gary Brown
Shirlee & Lee McCauley
December 18, 2008
The Yoder Family,
You have our deepest sympathy at
Barb's passing. She always stood out as one of my favorite majorettes that I taught throughout the many years.
ginger bell
December 18, 2008
Dan and Joanna,
We were so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We will be thinking of you now and the days ahead.Please accept our deepest sympathies. The Bells
Steve Avner
December 18, 2008
Our condolences-Barb and Steve Avner
Mary Lou & Dan Reed
December 18, 2008
Dear Linda, Paul and the Shanor Family. We are so sorry to read today that Barbara has passed. She is a beautiful lady who has accomplished many things in her short life. Please know that we are thinking of you and send our sincere sympathy.
Lindsey Brones
December 18, 2008
Dan and famliy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Shenosky Family and
Lindsey Brones (Wagner)
carmel masters
December 18, 2008
Dear Ruth,
I am so sorry to read about your daughter. She certainly lived a full life. I hope time will ease your sorrow.
Love
Ernie and Jocelyn Saghy
December 18, 2008
We pray that your grief at the loss of your mother may quickly change to joy in the memory of her being. Ernie and Jocelyn Saghy
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Funeral services provided by:
Billow's Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fairlawn Chapel85 North Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333

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