Athens Barbara Ley (1928 - 2021) Where has our angel gone, she has always been here, when we first opened our eyes, she was there to greet us with her warm and loving smile. She was there for every skinned knee and every broken heart. And when our children came along, she was there with her wisdom and guidance. But now she's gone. Gone to be with her other children who preceded her on the journey. But what about us, what do we do now, where has our angel gone.

Martha Barbara DeBord Ley was born in Maud, OH, Butler County, on Jan. 4, 1928. She was the daughter of the late H.L. DeBord and Mary Henson DeBord. She attended college at Eastern Kentucky University and graduated from Ohio University in 1999. She was an employee of Ohio University and Wayne National Forest until her retirement. She has been a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church since 1948. She has served on many committees and was President of the Nativity Deanery at one time. She was a Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years. She was a member of the Chauncey Friendly Circle Seniors and served as President of that organization. Barbara served as Secretary of the SALT organization (Seniors and Law Together). She was an avid crossword puzzler and shared the joy of reading with her daughter, Terri, and son, Michael. Bill W. was a good friend of hers for over 30 years.

Her family was the highlight of her life, and she spent many occasions with them. She is survived by Mike (Brenda), Robert (Vicki Cunningham), Chuck (Mandy), Terri Ley Whitlatch (Jim McLaren); son-in-law: Martin Lindquist, daughter-in-law: Teri Anderson Ley; several grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and many cousins and relatives.

Phil Ley and Jacquie Lindquist preceded their mother in death; as did her brother, James; and her sister, Brenda.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral. There will be a Mass at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Athens on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held in the fall of 2021. The Ley family would like to formally thank the staff of Ohio Health Hospice for the incredible love and care they gave Barbara in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rural Women's Recovery Program, Ohio Health Home Care and Hospice, or the library at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville, Ohio. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Barbara Ley

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Ley

Sponsored by Jagers and Sons Funeral Home.

19 Entries

Lois Walker

February 2, 2021

My deepest sympathy for your loss. A truly amazing woman, so lucky to have made her acquaintance.

Joanne Bray

January 24, 2021

My deepest sympathy. Although I have not seen Barbara in many years, I remember what a kind and wonderful lady she was. My thoughts and prays are with you during this difficult time.

Alexa Sandmann

January 24, 2021

May God bless all of her family in this time of sorrow. She was a wonderful woman, lighting a room with her smile. I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. My sincere condolences--

Irene Maschinot

January 21, 2021

My deepest condolences to the entire Ley Family. She was such a beautiful soul that touched so many lives. May she Rest In Peace, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending all our love from our family to yours, The Maschinot’s

Ann Cramer

January 21, 2021

Dear Ley Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Barb's passing. I knew her when we worked at the Wayne National Forest and from St. Paul's Church. She was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone. She was the only woman on a Forest outdoor crew for many years & worked just as hard as the men. She was a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Cheryl Pendergast

January 21, 2021

One of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. I was a member of the Chauncey Senior Center for a couple years where she presided as President. She loved to play cards, as I did also. So sorry to hear of her death. RIP Barbara.

Julie Ley

January 21, 2021

You will forever be in my heart and always on my mind,so many memories I will cherish and tell as my baby grows older telling how much of a wonderful women you were. Remembering every time I would come to visit my favorite things were when I would always ask to try on your lipstick and you would curl my hair and help me dress up and I loved every year you would make your amazing wedding cookies or how every visit we would walk up to the old school and play on the playground. Those I will truly miss but always remember. I love you so much great grandma and I know that you are watching over me and my baby.

Tuesdee Sharpe

January 21, 2021

Terri and Family, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your! My thoughts are with you!

Ethel McConnell

January 21, 2021

You have lost a wonderful motherand grandmother. I knew your mom since going to St. Paul;s school with her children and working at Ohio University. I know you will miss her dearly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

John and Amy Yanity

January 20, 2021

Barbara was a 75 year family friend and a wonderful person. My father, Jack and Barbara were all at Eastern Kentucky University in the late 1940’s; she was famous for her beauty in college and that lasted her entire life. We always looked forward to seeing Barbara. She will be remembered.

Sandra Bishman

January 20, 2021

We have all lost this lovely friend, Mother, Sister, Aunt, and true Christian. Barb as I called her, was one of a kind, as the saying goes. Always smiling, happy, willing to help, truly cared for you as a person, and never had a cross word about anyone. I met her 25 plus years ago when I came to Athens to work at Athens County Dept. of Job and Family Services, our paths crossed many times and we became buddies, talking weekly over the phone, visiting her in her home, and she knew my companion well too. I will truly cherish those years of knowing Barb. She made my life richer by her example of living life to the fullest, and her love of our Savior Jesus Christ. You see, I too attend St. Paul, so we also met there for many Masses. Please accept my deepest sympathies, my thoughts and prayers to all of you, and may the Peace of God be with you all at this time. Love and blessings to each of you.

Cindy Sharpe

January 20, 2021

Barbara was a wonderful woman. I worked with her at Ohio University in the Economics Department when I was a senior in high school (1985). She was a joy to be around, I looked forward to going to work every afternoon to see her smiling face. It always made me happy whenever I ran into her and had a chance to talk with her. She will be missed but always in my heart.

Ron & WAnda Llewellyn

January 20, 2021

We will miss her monthly calls when there was a SALT meeting planned. She always asked Ron, "Where are you now?" She always made us feel we were special to her. May she rest in peace.

Brenda Ley

January 20, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful Aunt. We will love you and miss you always.

Pam Decker Knapp

January 20, 2021

Dear Ley Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother when we were in St Paul's School. She was a sweet lady. She loved all of you. I moved from Athens 17 years ago. We still come back and visit my family and try to go to mass at St Paul's. She would always come and say hello.
I will miss seeing her if life ever gets back to normal. My sympathy to all of you
Sincerely
Pam Decker Knapp

Lois Dunn (Richardson)

January 20, 2021

Teri, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Please know that your in my thoughts and prayers.

Dorothy Gettle

January 20, 2021

Dear Terri and Family I have worked with Barbara and known her for many years. She was a special lady. I know she well be missed with all her wisdom and knowledge. Your Mother was so always kind and a special smile.

Virginia Finsterwald

January 20, 2021

Saddened to learn of Barb's passing. I knew her from her days in the Economics Dept at OU. I was very young yet Barb always treated me as a friend and colleague. And over the many years since then, she never failed to say "Hi! How are you?" whenever our paths would cross. She was truly a blessing to her family, friends, and community. My condolences to those nearest and dearest to her.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results