Barbara Young

Columbus - YOUNG Barbara Allyn Traylor, age 93, died March 10, 2025, at her home in Columbus.

A native of Ohio, Barbara was born in Woodsfield, to JVA and Lucille (Stanforth) Traylor on February 8, 1932. She grew up in Woodsfield, where she met Paul Edward Young in their freshman year of high school. They married on August 16, 1958.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Paul, after nearly fifty years of marriage, and by her sister Mary Emma Barker. She is survived by her children Lisa (Robert) Lee, Bret Young (Kelly Anderson) and Sara Young; sister-in-law, Judy Young; grandchildren, Amanda (Scott) Sakoda and Bo Lee (Sadie Thurston); and great-granddaughter, Morgan Rei Sakoda.

Barbara graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 1954 after which she spent two adventurous years in England and Germany, including working in West Berlin in the code room for the Air Force's Office of Special Investigations, before returning to Ohio State to earn her teaching credential. After she and Paul married, she taught English at Worthington High School. In 1960 she brought to fruition their shared dream of European travel. Paul and Barbara enjoyed exploring Europe while he worked as a civilian architectural consultant for the Air Force Exchange in Wiesbaden, Germany. They returned to Columbus in 1961 and, after brief stays in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and Athens, Ohio, settled in Columbus in 1969.

Barbara was a bright light in the lives of her family, blessing them daily in ways both practical and spiritual. She lived a full, rich life of Christian faith and service in Columbus. Barbara's faith was central to who she was, to how she lived her life, and to how she treated others. She was an active member in the life of Indian Springs Church of Christ and later at Northwest Christian Church, leading Bible studies, organizing Vacation Bible School, and teaching classes over the decades.

She had a special heart for those in need. She played a central role in Indian Springs' participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which provided meals and shelter for homeless families, and also supported Habitat for Humanity projects in Columbus. She taught English as a Second Language in the Columbus public schools and later volunteered to teach English to members of the Chinese congregation that met at Northwest. Barbara enjoyed deep and lasting friendships with her students from the congregation long after they left Columbus.

Barbara's boundless interest in each and every person was a defining trait. She strove to share the love of Christ with all she met and will be remembered by all the many people she touched throughout her life.

A Memorial Service will be held at Northwest Christian Church, 1340 Fishinger Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43221, on Saturday, June 7th. Family will greet friends from noon to 1:00 followed by the service at 1:00. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Midwestern Christian Children's Home , Faith Mission , or Habitat for Humanity.