Barbara Jean Grell

Barbara Jean Grell, age 85, of Hudson, OH passed away peacefully at her home on June 17, 2024 to be with the Lord. She was born on December 6, 1938 to Irene & Glenn Holland of Northhampton Twp, OH, along with her twin sister and forever best friend, Anne Nickison (of Cuyahoga Falls, OH). During her childhood she enjoyed numerous outdoor activities growing up in the country with her sister, big brother (Robert Holland), and friends, especially horseback riding. She attended Hudson High School, and graduated in the class of 1956. During her active High School days; she was the Class Secretary, co-captain of the Hudson GAA girls basketball team, played field hockey and swam. Barb and her twin sister would occasionally switch classes with each other, never detected by classmates or teachers.
After graduation from Hudson High School she attended Akron University to study nursing. During this time she began to date and fall in love with her former high school classmate, John Grell. They were married on December 7th, 1957 in Fairlawn, OH at the Fairlawn Lutheran Church. They welcomed 3 children; she was a fantastic loving mother to Sherry, Joyce, and Michael, while building a house in their hometown of Hudson, OH in 1964.
Barbara's life was focused on her family, her faith, and strong sense of serving others. The Grell family is a charter member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hudson, OH established in the late 1960's, where she took an active role that included teaching Sunday school, participating in Bible study, was a member of the woman's Christ Care group, and volunteered at the Gloria Dei preschool while making life-long friendships.
Not only was Barbara a life long Cleveland sports fan, with baseball being her favorite sport, but she was also a strong competitor in her own right. For decades she participated in numerous golf and bowling leagues in the area in the 70s, 80s, & 90s. When the city of Hudson started their first woman's softball Rec league in the mid 70s, Barbara was on the mound to pitch her team to the Championship. She was an avid card player, enjoying Bridge most of all, as she played with her beloved Bridge group up to 2020.
Barbara's passions were many; included Gardening, as she tended to elaborate flower gardens at her house in Hudson, while assisting with flower Gardens through out homes & businesses in the Hudson area, as she used her deep knowledge of flowers and plants to educate and help others. She was a fantastic baker, always making sure the cookie jar was full with a variety of different delicious batches. Her other passion was being an incredible Grandmother to her 5 grandchildren; Jenny & Jacob Gamertsfelder, Allison Baylor, and Jill & Andrew Grell, teaching them life lessons and proudly attending hundreds of academic and athletic events, while most recently enjoying the company of her 2 new great grandchildren; Jack & James Noall (Jenny).
Some of her favorite memories were of large family gatherings and extended family picnics, along with her travels and vacations to numerous locations; Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mississippi, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, with occasional stops at casinos along the way.
Barbara's focus on her passions and activities took a detour in recent years as she courageously battled late on set Alzheimer's disease with class and dignity. With her husband John as her primary care giver she was able to remain in her beloved home until her peaceful passing. Even up to the end she enjoyed all of the visits she received from family members and friends, each visit brought a smile to her face and joy to her lovely soul.
Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Irene Holland and her father Glenn Holland, and her brother Robert Holland. She is survived by her loving husband John Grell, her sister Anne Nickison, her sister in law Nancy Holland, her caring children; Sherry (Frank) Baylor, Joyce (Jon) Gamertsfelder, and Michael (Rebecca) Grell; along with 5 Grand Children; Jenny (Eric) Noall, Jill Grell, Allison (Michael) Doherty-Baylor, Andrew Grell, and Jacob Gamertsfelder, and 2 Great Grandchildren; Jack & James Noall. Along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will receive friends 10-11AM FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2113 Ravenna St., Hudson, OH 44236 where funeral services will begin at 11:00AM. Interment to follow at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park, Cuyahoga Falls, OH. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Barb's name to the church. Arrangements by Johnson-Romito Funeral Home, Hudson, OH. www.johnsonromito.com