Barbara Jean Kalter

GRATIS — Barbara Jean Kalter, age 75, of Gratis, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton surrounded by loved ones. She was born April 13, 1950, in Dayton, OH, to the late David and Elizabeth (Lowman) Kalter.

Barbara was a 1968 graduate of Preble Shawnee High School. She worked as a telephone operator for United Telephone Company for 15 years. She was an active member of Grace Brethren Community Church in West Alexandria for over 60 years.

She lived in Gratis with her only sister, Grace Lucille Kalter, at the home on RT. 122 built by their grandparents in 1911 for 72 years. She loved Church, gospel music, traveling, reading books, writing to her pen pals, hot air balloons, and visiting lighthouses.

She is survived by her Church Family; Bertha (Combs) Grauman of Farmersville, a lifelong friend of over 70 years, and her husband Ben Grauman and daughters (considered nieces who called their aunts: Aunt Barbie and Aunt Gracie): Melissa (Grauman) Knuckles of Allegan, MI, Rachel (Grauman) Keyser of New Lebanon, OH, and Rebecca (Garber) Moore of Massillon, OH. Also surviving are Sharon Bayes, a friend since first grade; Marlin and Beth Knaus and their sons: Lanton (Ginger) Knaus and their son William, Gareth (Celesta) Knaus, Cade Knaus, and Trey Knaus all of Camden; and Michael and Bonnie Bailey and their family: Michael and Meg Bailey, Pat and Terry Bailey, Mishael Castro, Letitia and Rodney Fugate, Giles and Kathy Bailey and Shawn Bailey, all of Ohio.

Preceding Barbara in death are her parents: David and Elizabeth Kalter, as well as her sister Grace L. Kalter in 2022.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Gard Funeral Home, 113 Ada Doty Street, Gratis, OH.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., proceeding the service. Pastors Elbert Sorrell, Paul Ayers, and Mark Combs will be officiating the service.

Barbara will be laid to rest next to her sister, Grace at Fairview Cemetery in Gratis immediately following the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Community Church, 3110 US 35 E., West Alexandria, OH, 45381 or Gideon International. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.