Barbara Demorest

Barbara Demorest, 94, of Ashley, Ohio went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 with her family by her side at Marion General Hospital.

Barbara was born on July 6, 1930 in Marion, Ohio, the only child to the late Ralph and Mildred (Main) Hager. Barbara graduated from Pleasant Township High School in 1948. She had met the love of her life, Harold A. Demorest who had graduated six years sooner from Waldo School. Barbara's parents refused to give their consent to wed. Harold served his country in the Navy and their love remained strong during his absence. Barbara recalled her terrible nightmare in which Harold's ship capsized only to hear that the ship did list nearly to its limit that night. On his return, Barbara's parents lovingly gave their blessings, realizing that the love was real. They wed on October 31, 1948 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

The newlyweds built their own home from Harold's childhood home which had been located where three rivers converged in Delaware County. The Delaware dam project eventually would cover the property with water, so the family dismantled the home board by board and transported it to its current location between Ashley and Waldo. The newlyweds helped with the reconstruction during which Barbara refinished all the woodwork and flooring, and painted and wallpapered the walls. The result of this labor of love remained their home for the rest of their lives.

Barbara enjoyed their farm life where they grew row crops and raised and bred registered Charolais cattle with Harold's father and brother. She became involved with her vegetable gardening and home canning for her family. Later they formed their own Olentangy Farm, H. Demorest and family. Barbara and Harold were active in both the state and national cattlemen's associations, and the International Charolais Breeders Organization. Barbara enjoyed her role in helping to bring in prospective breeding stock buyers and making cattle deliveries around the country. She also enjoyed traveling abroad to attend many International Association meetings and working groups.

Barbara was also a very active member of the Waldo United Methodist Church. She was part of the many groups that cooked luncheons for funerals, weddings, and Hunting Day. Many of her lifelong friends were made through the church.

Left to cherish her memory and the joys of her life are her three sons Dean (Nichelle) of Florida, Dale (Terri) of Ashley and Daryl (Mandi) of Ashley; grandchildren Amber, Heather, Evan, Matthew, Nickolas, Mariah, Marc and Makyah; 9 great- grandchildren with one on the way.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband Harold of 53 years.

When Barbara found time outside of the farm, church, and raising her boys, she enjoyed creating and painting ceramics. Vacationing with her family to Lake Erie for daily fishing outings was the highlight of every summer. She supported her boys in baseball, basketball and 4-H. Barbara also had a reputation as a Buckeyes fan and seldom missed televised games. She will be remembered as the strong, loving, feisty, ornery and faithful mother and grandmother that she was. Barbara was a 'people person' and had good, dear friends in her community and all over the country. After her children had grown, she and Harold spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, where many of their friends also lived. Barbara had many friends who were dear to her.

Pastors Mike Folge and Gerald Frazee will officiate a funeral service honoring the significance of Babrbara's life on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at noon at the Snyder Funeral Homes, Delaware, Chapel, 101 Valleyside Drive, Delaware, Ohio, where friends may call on the family from 10 a.m. until noon. Burial will follow at Marlborough Cemetery in Delaware.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Barbara's name may be directed towards The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

The Snyder Funeral Home in Delaware is proudly serving the Demorest Family.