Barbara Ann "Wheeler" Austin

Barbara Ann Austin (Wheeler), 91, a resident of Maple Knoll Village in Springdale, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior at her home on November 20, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother of three, grandmother of five, and friend to many who will be deeply missed.

Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Barb was a proud graduate of the St. Mary's School of Nursing in West Virginia and a Registered Nurse for many years. She retired as a nursing supervisor from Mercy Hospital in Fairfield, Ohio.

Barb was a lifelong avid reader, a master at crossword puzzles, and a longtime member of John Wesley United Methodist Church in Pleasant Run Farms, Ohio. Though sometimes fanatical, her enthusiasm for the Cincinnati Reds could never compare to her love for faith, family, and her husband of 62 years, Ronald Frank Austin.

She was preceded in death by her father Ova and mother Maebelle Wheeler (Shortridge); her adored husband Ron Austin; her beloved daughter Tonya Johnson (Austin); and her dear brothers Jack, Richard, and Joe Wheeler.

She is survived and never forgotten by her brother Norwood ("Butch") Wheeler; her son Ronald Mark Austin (wife Dawn) of Delaware, Ohio; and her daughter Debi Huffman of Charleston, West Virginia. She bragged daily about her five treasured grandchildren and their spouses: Ron's son Zachary (Erika); Tonya's children Ashley (Dan), Ryan (Allison), and Kyle (Makayla); and Debi's son Brandon (father to Nick, the great-grandchild she got to meet). She will be sorely missed by her nieces and nephews; son-in-law Richard (Tonya); and many dear friends in her Maple Knoll community-particularly Carol Walters and Wanda Houser, who cared for her and who she loved like the sisters she never had.

A private family viewing is scheduled on Saturday, November 29. A graveside service open to friends and officiated by Rev. Kalamba Kilumba will follow at Oller Cemetery, 5459 Riverside Drive, Delaware, Ohio, 43015 at 11:30am.

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