Barbara A. (Bauer) Edmunds

Barbara A. Edmunds, 90, passed away on March 31, 2022. She was born November 2, 1931 to Agnes and Fred Bauer. She lived most of her life in Brimfield, Ohio. Married to Richard Edmunds in 1950, the couple had six children.  In addition to raising a large family Barbara kept very involved in many activities.  While her children were young, she was a Red Cross swimming instructor, a 4-H sewing club advisor and even found time to attend a Great Books discussion group at the Kent Free Library.  In later years she served as a board member of the Kelso House Museum in Brimfield, belonged to an Herb Society and was a member of the Flying Hoofs Riding Club. Barbara continued to be an avid reader until the end. She especially enjoyed her Sunday New York Times. Columnist, Maureen Dowd, has lost her biggest fan.

Always an active person and enjoying being with friends Barbara was a Prime Timer at the Tallmadge community center, attended the Brimfield Gals gatherings, line danced and sang for a short while with the Sweet Adelines. In her final years she had lots of fun at a weekly lunch meeting with her old and new friends at Arby’s in Tallmadge. Having an interest in her community Barbara, at age 87, volunteered for the Neighborhood Food Cupboard at the Brimfield Methodist Church.

Barbara endured several hardships in her life. She lost three of her children in a two-year period, daughters Paula and Patty Edmunds and her son, Doug. During that time, she also lost her beloved brother, John Bauer, to a tragic accident.  In spite of the extreme sadness of these losses she mustered the spirit and fortitude to soldier on. A lesson for us all.

Preceded in death by her husband, Dick, Barbara is survived by her son, Mike Edmunds, daughters, Donna (John) Novisky, Kathleen (Ted) Ampazis, and sister Karen (Jim) Nemeth.  Barbara also leaves grandsons Nathan Edmunds, Ted Ampazis and two great grandsons as well as several nieces and nephews.

A month before her passing Barbara lost her dear and long-time friend Virginia “Ginny” Brearley. They are together again and undoubtedly wearing their Red Hats.

A celebration of life will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 1235 Tallmadge Rd. Kent, Ohio on Friday, April 22 beginning at 10 a.m.

Internment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Kelso House Museum, 4148 OH-43, Kent, Ohio 44240 or the Brimfield Police and Fire Departments.