Barbara Watson

Barbara Ann Watson
September 24, 1953 - January 1, 2026
On January 1, 2026, the world lost a beautiful light. Barb Watson of Blue Ash, Ohio passed away peacefully. She was a beloved sister, friend, colleague, and teacher. Her impact is widespread, and her life leaves a true legacy of music, love, and friendship.
She was born to Peggy Ann and Eugene "Gene" Watson in Cincinnati in 1953 and grew up in Blue Ash, Ohio. From an early age, Barb discovered a deep love for music. What began as a childhood passion soon revealed itself as her life's calling. That love grew into a lifelong dedication to music education. After graduating from Sycamore High School, Barb went on to earn her degree in Music Education from Ohio University, a Masters in Conducting and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music. Throughout her professional career she shared her talent, discipline, and joy with generations of students as well as colleagues. Barb was involved with the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She presented in several chapters around the country, including Boston, Ithaca, Florida, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. She also taught the movement portion of Orff Certification courses at the University of Cincinnati CCM for several years. She was an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association, and presented at those state conferences as well.
Through every lesson and performance, she inspired others not only to appreciate music, but to find their own voice within it.
Barb was a music teacher for 44 years, with her most recent 37 years at Indian Hill Primary School. Families and staff alike have loved listening to her music greeting them as they entered the building, emanating from the auditorium, where she taught her students. So many have shared Barb's lasting impression, expressing that she not only taught them music, but also inspired them, fostered in them a love for music, built their confidence, and made them feel important. Beyond her musical expertise, she will be remembered for the profound kindness and empathy she extended to all, touching the lives of students, families, and colleagues long after their paths had crossed. She had a gift for orchestrating the perfect start to every day, greeting each student in the morning car rider line with the kind of brilliant smile and heartfelt hug that made everyone feel seen and valued.
Outside the classroom, Barb could often be found tending her beautiful gardens, walking with dear friends, working out at her favorite gym, practicing piano at her church, sharing her gift of music with others, or enjoying one of her cherished lunch dates. She was truly such a unique and beautiful person. Barb was a fierce friend, a trusted confidant, a passionate educator, a talented musician, a practically magical gardener, and so much more. She was quirky and funny and spunky and unapologetically herself. She saw silver linings before she saw a cloud, had the strength of three people, and could make a garden grow inside and out. Barb was sunshine that drew others to her. Her joy was genuine, her smile contagious, and being around her simply made life feel a little lighter.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents. Peggy Ann and Gene Watson. She is survived by her sister Susan (William Miller) Watson, longtime friends Todd and Wendy Bassman, her Indian Hill School Community, her friends from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, her workout friends at HTS Fitness, beloved neighbors, and countless more friends and students alike.
All the world loves music thanks to Barb. She has inspired us all with her passion for music, kindness, and love. We will do our best to carry on her legacy. Rest in peace, dear Barbie.
A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 28th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7701 Kenwood Road, at 11 am. Luncheon reception to follow. The family encourages attendees of the service to wear colorful attire to honor Barb's bright spirit. In lieu of flowers, there are currently plans being made to honor Barb's legacy. Details will be shared at a later time.