Barbara Ann CALLEN

News Death Notice

CALLEN, Barbara Ann Age 81, of Hamilton, Ohio passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2014, at The Woodlands of Hamilton. She was born February 13, 1933 in Rising Sun, Indiana to Chester E. and Wilma (VanTyle) Walker. She was united in marriage to Clifford L. Callen on November 22, 1952. Mrs. Callen attended Miami University where she earned a B.S. in Art Education, a B.S. in Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders, and a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. She was employed as a teacher for the Hamilton City Schools. She taught at Adams, Taylor, Hayes, Pierce, and Lincoln Elementary Schools. She retired in June of 1993. Mrs. Callen was a gifted teacher with a passion for the educational growth of her students. Many of her students maintained contact with her well into their adult lives. In her retirement years, Mrs. Callen remained busy. Previous to her illness, she was actively involved in service at Grace United Methodist Church and Lindenwald United Methodist Church. She was a choir member and occasionally played the organ. She was a Youth Coordinator, served on the Missions Board, was a Chairperson and member of the Education Committee, a member of the Administrative Board and a member of the Altar Guild. She also sang solos and provided music for special events at the church. Mrs. Callen's love of music extended beyond church events. Along with a few special friends, she provided musical entertainment at area assisted living and nursing home facilities. Her heart for serving continued with her volunteer work at Hamilton Living Water Ministry. While at Living Water, she was a Bookkeeper, Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and a member of the Administrative Board. She also enjoyed her time as a member of Delta Kappa Gama and the Amicitia Club. Mrs. Callen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son, Michael L. Callen. She leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law, Mr. Ben (Linda) Walker, a son, Barry W. Callen and a daughter-in-law Patti Callen, a daughter and son-in-law Linda (Robert) Stanger, and four grandchildren, Robert "Bo" Stanger, Luke "Benji" (Renae) Stanger, Alexie Callen, and Paige Callen, as well as nieces, Stephanie (Randy) Scott, Terri (David) Lammers, Angie (Wayne) Edwards, and nephews, Benji (Shelly) Walker, Steve Callen, and Dennis Callen. She leaves behind special longtime friends, Janet Wadleigh, Pauline Feltner, and Mickey Evans who supported and encouraged her throughout her battle with alzheimers and other health complications. She also leaves behind "The Original Warr Court Gang" whom she watched grow and loved dearly, as well as the many new friends that she made at The Woodlands of Hamilton. The family would like to thank the nurses, assistants, and staff of The Woodlands of Hamilton for their kindness and care. They would also like to thank Hospice of Cincinnati/Hamilton for their support during Mrs. Callen's illness. Visitation will be held at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 N.W. Washington Blvd. Hamilton, OH 45013 on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be conducted at Weigel Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 10:00am. Pastor Steve Gage, of First Baptist Church will preside over the service. Burial will follow at Millville Cemetery. Memorials may be made in honor of Mrs. Callen to Hamilton Living Water Ministry or Hospice of Cincinnati. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.weigelfuneralhome.com