Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara GRILL Obituary
Barbara Joanne (Thorson)
Barbara Joanne Grill (Thorson) passed away peacefully on August 27, 2016, at Ebeid Hospice Residence. Barb beautified this world with grace and was valiant when diagnosed 8 years ago with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. Throughout, she continued to care deeply for her family and friends, enjoyed the serenity of nature, and sustained strength from her daily walks at Wildwood Preserve Metropark.
Barb was born on February 27, 1946, to Donald and Bernice Thorson. She attended DeVilbiss High School where lifelong friendships developed with many of her classmates, along with the love her life of her life, Jim. Upon graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, she began a teaching career that spanned 28 years with the Toledo Public School System. Barb's greatest accomplishment as an educator was her skill in helping “at risk” youth. Because Barb's approach to teaching mirrored her own set of values, she was able to achieve remarkable success in preparing her pupils for their future.
Her personal life was full. She adored her husband, children and grandchildren, as well her pets and theirs! Barb loved Northern Michigan, and always looked forward to many happy summer trips and connecting with friends from other places. Barb felt a great responsibility to acknowledge friends, family and acquaintances by sending greeting cards containing genuine, personal notes of love.
Barb's family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful friends who have been supportive in countless acts of kindness, including Gina Garwood, Michele Thrasher, Nancy Turman, Judy Johnson, Linda Grimm, Tina Moffat, Henry and Sue Merce, Tom and Mary Alice Shirk, Val and Jean Glinka, along with many, many others. Much appreciation also to Megan Flagg of Sincera Palliative Care and to Dr. Josh and the entire staff of nurses, social workers, aides and volunteers of ProMedica Ebeid Hospice Residence.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Bernice Thorson; her father-in-law, Elmer Grill; and her mother-in-law, Virginia Grill. Barb is survived by her loving family: husband, James L. Grill; son, Eric (Margery); daughter, Jennifer; grandchildren, Cooper, Sydney and Harrison; and sister, Donise Lent.
Friends are invited to visit from 3-8 p.m., on Monday, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, (between Secor and Douglas Roads), where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. Private interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution the Ovarian Cancer Connection of Toledo, ProMedica Ebeid Hospice, or Friends of the Library-Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.ansberg-west.com
As published in The Blade
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara GRILL
Tom Schlachter
September 9, 2016
Jim,
I'm sorry to see Barb passed away. She fought the good fight for a long time.
Please give my condolences to your family.
September 5, 2016
Jim,
Please accept my sympathy on your wife's recent passing. I was out-of-town when she died and do not get the paper any longer. I just now read the obituary. I am so sorry as I know this is a big loss. Dan has been gone over 15 months now. Take care.
Carol Smith - Sylvania, OH
Penny (Ferris) Pritchard
August 31, 2016
Dear Jim,
It was a joy to have Barb in my life and your children too. We had so much in common at Elmhurst and she and I thought so much alike.
Her enthusiasm was endless and I will never forget the wonderful laughs we all shared. We were so sorry to find out about the arrangements after the fact.
Mark Ferris
August 31, 2016
So sorry to hear of Barb's passing, our heartfelt condolences Jim. She made us all smile when we saw her.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Nancy and Philip Castagnet
August 31, 2016
Jim,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on Barb's passing. We were very fortunate to meet you and Barb in magical Harbor Springs and so glad to have had the pleasure of your company for several summers.
Barb was a dear, special woman and it was an honor to know her. Her notes and cards were testament to her thoughtful and caring nature. May your memories comfort you and your family.
Katherine (Wingerter) Jenkins
August 31, 2016
Jim,
I am so sorry to hear about Barb's passing. It's always so tragic when something kind and beautiful is taken from this world. My prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Wright
August 30, 2016
I am so greatful to have known you and had you as the best neighbors anyone could ever have. Barb was always so gracious and giving. She was always there for me and anyone else who needed her. She filled the room with energy and excitement. And boy was she a good cook! Jim, Eric and Jennifer, my thoughts and prayers and love go out to you.
Lisa Wright
August 30, 2016
To the Grill family. Barb was a beautiful lady. I'm glad I had the pleasure of working with her for 4 years while working at the Phoenix Academy. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
August 30, 2016
No one could light up a room like Barb ... Barb always glowed with the escence of love. She will remain in hearts of all who knew Barb as a loving positive Force for all that is Good.
Jim, our hearts good out to you. Our home on Crooked Lake in Petoskey is always open to you and mutual friends - please consider coming "Up North" for a visit.
Bob Wiley
[email protected]
Elaine Ladd
August 30, 2016
Jim and Family, I am so sorry. I enjoyed talking with Barb over the years; I will miss seeing her walk around the neighborhood. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May Jesus comfort you always.
August 30, 2016
Dear Jim, I just happened to check the Toledo obits and, sadly, saw that Barb had passed. My condolences to you and your family.
Tom Lopresto, Beaufort, SC
Susan Bobowick
August 29, 2016
I see you and Barb walking togethe, so in sync with each other. I'm thinking of you and sorry for your loss.
Sue Bobowick
Nora Giha Dowling
August 29, 2016
Jim
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, knowing Barb will always be with you.
Carolyn Stevens Wagner
August 29, 2016
Jim, although I have not seen you and Barb for many many years, my heart hurts for you and your family. Barb is still as beautiful as she was in high school and so very sweet. May the Lord Bless you and your family through the coming days.
Ed Benner
August 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jim
Doug Brown
August 29, 2016
Jim, My sympathy to you and your family. Sorry for your loss.
August 29, 2016
Jim, my thoughts are with you. What a terrible loss!
Lindell Ahlfors Clemens
Tom Willoughby
August 29, 2016
My deepest sympathies to you, Jim, and your family. I had not seen Barb since high school, but she was a beautiful person. Through the grapevine, I knew that you and Barb were very happy together. My heart goes out to you.
Karen Ovall
August 29, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Barb at the Phoenix Academy. Always enjoyed our talks while working our late night together. She will be missed.
Scott Lent
August 29, 2016
My sympathy to Jim and the family.
Jennifer GILSON
August 29, 2016
My heart and prayers go out to your family Eric and Margery! Your mom was sure a special person Eric. Love and strength through these difficult times! Xo Jennifer Gilson
Bonnie Crawford
August 29, 2016
I didn't know her personally but she was very nice.We were gamer friends on FB.I am praying for her family.God Bless.
Connie Ulmer
August 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Jim and his family
Barb was so beautiful inside and out
My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time
Ben Forrester
August 28, 2016
My prayers and love go out to the Grill Family! Barb will be missed so much. She was a fighter. I'll remember her positive character and positive outlook on life, even in her sickest times, her positive attitude helped her get through these eight years.
Sherry Gardner
August 28, 2016
Jim, I remember being so happy when you and Barb got together in high school. You were so right for each other! It's clear that your love grew even stronger through the years, and I'm glad you will have that warmth to comfort you now. You and your family are in my heart in big way. Sending lots of love to you all.
Skip Gardner
August 28, 2016
Jim
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Barb and I became friends in 7th grade, and I've admired here since.
Karen Robinson Kuhlman Groneck
August 28, 2016
Barbie, our sweet friend from Drummond Road, the Robinson Girls will miss you! We shared doll, games and makeup. Peace be will you.
Jim my heart breaks for you and your family. God bless and keep you strong, and let all the bright moments shine through.
Karen Robinson Kuhlman Groneck
August 28, 2016
August 28, 2016
Jim and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this sad and difficult time.
Katie Schueler
Tina Moffat
August 28, 2016
Barb is forever in our hearts and fond memories. She has touched the lives of all who had the honor of knowing her in such loving and thoughtful ways. Her legacy is her beauty, grace, dignity, courage, thoughtfulness, sweet soul, sense of humor, circle of friends, and fabulous, loving family.
We love Barbie, the Babs.
Our sincere sympathy to Jim, Eric and family, Jennifer, and Donise.
Jim Clarkson
August 28, 2016
The world lost a truly beautiful person, inside and out. Thoughts and prayers. But we did gain an angel. Thanks Barb for all you have been and done, you will be missed.
Joe Giannetti
August 28, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Barb many years ago and always appreciated her spirit, and her dedication to her students. It was always good to see her, and she was always pleasant. You have my sincerest sympathies.
Lesia Marino-Brolinson
August 27, 2016
Jim, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You and Barb were people that made a positive difference in my life. I feel honored to have known her.
Lesia Marino-Brolinson
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara GRILL's name
Memorial Events
for Barbara GRILL
People and places connected with Barbara
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara GRILL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
