Barbara Boeckling Obituary

Barbara Boeckling

May 14, 1925 - Apr 12, 2023

Dayton

Barbara Stein Boeckling, 97, of Centerville, and formerly of Huron and Salem, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Barbara was born May 14, 1925, in Huron, the daughter of Wright Meeker and Elizabeth Myers Stein. She grew up in Huron's first funeral home, Stein Funeral Home, established by her father in 1925. Today, the funeral home, still in its original location, is known as Foster Funeral Home.

Barbara graduated from Huron High School in 1943 and attended Dennison University to study retail management. She was a life-long member of Alpha Phi Sorority. During the summers, she was employed at Plum Brook Research Facility, Sandusky, doing her part to advance the war (World War II) effort.

After college, Barbara moved to Cleveland and was employed by Halle's Department Store in retail sales. She married George A. Boeckling on Sept. 13, 1947, a grand-nephew of G.A. Boeckling, developer of Cedar Point. They moved to Salem, Ohio, to live and raise their family. Barbara was a devoted member of Episcopal Church of Our Savior, volunteering her time and services to many worthy causes, especially the church's Almost New Shop. She was a member of many civic and social organizations, including Traveler's Club, Story Book Museum, Salem Preservation Society, and Salem Area Visiting Nurse Association. In 1975, she was employed as a para-professional in early childhood development in the Salem Public School system and retired 10 years later.

The family enjoyed many summer vacations, traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and British West Indies. In retirement, Barbara and George continued their travels to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the far east. Summers were always spent at the family cottage in Chaska Beach, Huron, a resort developed by her father, Wright M. Stein.

Barbara is survived by a son, George Wright (Carolyn Joyce) Boeckling; two daughters, Elisabeth Boeckling Spiro and Carolyn Marie Boeckling; son-in-law, Monty Gamble; four grandsons, George Jonathan (Rebecca) Boeckling, Robert Colt (Tara) Nelson, Daniel Zivney (India) Nelson, and Thomas George (Lily Mae Walton) Nelson; three great-grandchildren, George Robert Boeckling, Isla Marie, and Emmet Lee Nelson; stepgreat-grandchild, Kylie Rhodes (Nelson); nephew, John (Carol) Dutt; and niece, Amy (Gary) Dutt Lewis.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George A. Boeckling; daughter, Martha Louise Boeckling Gamble; sister, Florence Dutt Santoro; brother-in-law, Anthony (Tony) Santoro; nephew, James Dutt; and niece, Barbara Dutt Vermillion.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Bethany Lutheran Village and Hospice of Dayton for the loving care she received in her time of need.

A celebration of life service is being planned for the summer in Huron.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Chaska Beach Lot Owners Association Tree Fund, in care of Lori Brown, PO Box 212, Huron, Ohio, 448390, Christ Episcopal Church, 120 Ohio St., Huron, Ohio, 44839, or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio, 45420.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.