Helen Sailor

JACKSON CENTER -- Helen B. Sailor, 86, of Jackson Center, passed away peacefully at Cridersville Heath Care Center on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 23, 1938, to the late John and Helen (McNutt) Hart.

On December 27, 1960, she married Ralph M. Sailor, and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2020.

She leaves behind her children: Beth (Dennis) Rockhold, Rick (Tina) Sailor, and Marilyn (Matt) Kohler; grandchildren: Matt Rockhold, Jenny Rockhold, Rachel Sailor, Ryan Sailor, Justin (Julie) Kohler, and Adam (Elizabeth) Kohler; and great grandchildren: Zoey and Wyatt Rockhold, Hayden, Jaelyn, Harlyn and Jocelyn Kohler.

Barb's journey through life was marked by her passion for education and the arts, creativity, and a deep love for the relationships she treasured. Barb graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1960 and began her teaching career at Elyria-Jefferson Jr. High School, igniting a lifelong commitment to guiding young minds. Her path then led her to Wapakoneta Junior and Senior High School in 1961, before she joined the faculty at Jackson Center in 1967, where she would inspire students for almost three decades until her retirement in 1994. Barb's light continued to shine as she took a part-time role at the Shelby County Alternative School, teaching art for 14 years, and later offering painting classes both at Riverside Art Center in Wapakoneta and in her own home studio.

Beyond her remarkable teaching career, Barb was an accomplished artist in her own right. She delighted in painting, drawing, ceramics, and sculpting. Her love for creativity extended into many aspects of her life-gardening, canning, and even playing the piano, all of which reflected her many talents and interests.

Barb was also an active community member, serving as a proud former member of Sweet Adelines, the Junior American Club, and the Grace Lutheran Adult Choir Director. She contributed her voice and spirit as a member of the Ohio Adult Art Association and served on the Board of the Gateway Art Council. In her leisure hours, she could often be found participating in the Friday Night Women's Bowling League in Wapakoneta.

Barb shared countless joyful moments with her husband, Rock, and their dear friends, especially during their cherished trips to West Virginia, where they enjoyed weekends in cabin retreats, house boating at Cumberland Falls, and thrilling golf excursions to the many beautiful state parks. Barb's heart was intertwined with her experiences, particularly the cherished memories spent visiting her close friend Charlyne in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Rock and Barb loved spending time with their grandchildren, whether it was playing Yahtzee or Monopoly, or painting and drawing in her home studio, taking them on summer excursions, or trips to Indian Lake for McDonald's happy meals.

The family would like to thank her roommate, Vicki Smith, and those from Cridersville Health Care Center and especially those who were with her the evening of her passing whom she was so fond of.

Pastor Shelley Schultz will officiate a memorial service for Barb on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, 607 S Main Street, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334. Visitation will be at the church two hours prior, from 10:00 until the time of the service. Inurnment will follow the service at Pearl Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Jackson Center Education Foundation, P.O. Box 819, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334, to help provide scholarships to art students in Barb's memory or to the Grace Lutheran Church, Jackson Center, 607 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 328, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334.

Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home, Jackson Center is honored to serve the Sailor family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com