Barbara J Guest

Barbara J. (Gaumer) Guest, age 88, of Plain Twp., passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at Bethany Nursing Home after a brief illness. She was born April 8, 1937 in Zanesville, OH, the daughter of the late Harold G. and Ethel F. (Reed) Gaumer. Barb graduated from McKinley High School and went to work for East Ohio Gas after graduation. After marrying James Guest, she was a stay a home mom raising their daughter. Later in life she became a realtor with Boebinger Realtors, Realty One and Howard Hanna.

During her life she was a member of various community groups: Jaycee's Women's Auxiliary, Junior Women's Club, Soap Box Derby Auxiliary, Elks, Eagles, Plain Township Historical Society, Canal Fulton Heritage Society and others. Barb supported her husband's passion for canal history by portraying Priscilla Porter to her husband's Joseph Porter as various canal related events. She loved to sew and do cross stich, but her true passion was playing cards whether that be bridge or euchre. The last thing she did was play Crazy 8's just before she passed. Barb was a member of a variety of card clubs which is where she formed many friendships that were dear to her. The best way to honor her is to play a round of cards in her memory.

Barbara was preceded in death by both her parents and her husband James. She is survived by daughter, Cynthia; sister-in-law Judith Rhodes; and cousins.

Funeral services will be a private family graveside service. Burial at Warstler Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Plain Township Historical Society Endowment Fund, 2600 Easton St NE, Canton, OH 44721; or Canal Fulton Heritage Society, 116 South Canal Street, Canal Fulton, OH 44614.

Please visit www.reedfunderalhome.com to sign the online guestbook.