Barbara Semans Obituary

Barbara H. (Hall) Semans

Sep 17, 1926 - Feb 2, 2024

Sandusky

Barbara H. (Hall) Semans, 97, residing in Sandusky, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, Feb. 2, 2024, at Firelands Regional Medical Center.

Barbara was born Sept. 17, 1926, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to H. Paul and Helen W. (Weber) Hall. Her family moved frequently in her early years, first to Chicago, then Dayton, East Aurora, NY, Atlanta, GA, and then to Dallas, Texas, where she graduated from high school.

Barbara graduated with a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and, having lost both her parents while in college, took over and operated her father's business in Delaware, Ohio, after graduation. She began dating Bill Semans while he attended The Ohio State Univ. College of Dentistry. Upon his graduation, they settled in Sandusky in 1952. Barbara frequently stated how fortunate she felt to have been embraced by her husband's family and to have landed in her new forever home, Sandusky.

Barbara and Bill thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in Sandusky community organizations. She was active in College Women's Club and Women's Civic Club (past President). Barbara cherished her membership and friends in PEO, Chapter S, and served as treasurer for 29 years. She retired from Sandusky Library in 1995 after 21 years as Clerk Treasurer and soon after, joined Old House Guild, volunteering frequently at Cooke House and co-chairing the "Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes" for a number of years. She was honored to receive a Providence Hospital Woman of the Year award in 1999.

Barbara was a member of Sandusky's First Presbyterian Church where she served as treasurer for nine years and was also on the board of trustees. She and Bill were long-time members of Sandusky Yacht Club and thoroughly enjoyed all the fun events the club had to offer. Barb enjoyed reading, boating, going to OSU football games with husband Bill, and needlework. She especially loved traveling to see her children and grandchildren across the country and abroad during their military assignments. Her role as surrogate mom for many of her family members and her children's friends was a favorite of Barb's. The kids all knew the cookie jar in her kitchen was always full. She and Bill especially valued their "Jolly Roger Bridge Club" friends and remained close with them and their families.

Barb and Bill were members of Merry-go-Round Museum and Maritime Museum of Sandusky. She received the nickname "Big Splash Barb" when she won a Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle at age 94. She got the biggest kick when going for her first ever motorcycle ride on it and encouraged everyone to buy Big Splash tickets annually at the Sandusky Maritime Museum!

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Tim) Semans Krein of Reston, Virginia; son, Dr. William O. (Patti) Semans of Sandusky; grandsons, Matthew William (Jillian) Krein of Belgium and Andrew Merrick (Brynne) Krein of Chicago, Illinois; and two great-grandchildren, Emma and Jack Krein.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Dr. William Merrick Semans in 2008.

A church service and celebration of Barbara's life will be announced at a later date.

Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory will be assisting family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Barbara's memory may do so to Sandusky Library, 114 W. Adams St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, First Presbyterian Church, 265 Jackson St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.