Barbara Poffenbaugh Obituary

Barbara Poffenbaugh attended Ontario High School in Mansfield, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Barbara Poffenbaugh.

Graduation Year	Faculty
Date of Passing	Jan 01, 2022
About	Mansfield - Barbara (Neptune) Poffenbaugh, 85, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away on January 1, 2022, after a recent battle with cancer. Her beloved husband, Richard, and three devoted daughters were by her side. The loss to her family, friends and community is deeply felt and she will be missed by many-and in so many ways. Barbara was born on July 21, 1936, to fun-loving Leland "Mike" Neptune and Laura (Fry) Neptune in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. The fifth of seven children, she was blessed to be part of a close-knit family who considered their strong faith and active membership at The First Baptist Church of Mt. Gilead to be the center of their lives. Barbara was very focused on getting a good education, achieving perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated as the class valedictorian. After graduating high school, Barbara attended Bowling Green State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Education. She married Richard Poffenbaugh on August 24, 1958, and they moved to Mansfield, Ohio, to pursue their careers-Richard as a Biology teacher at Mansfield Senior High School and Barbara as a second-grade teacher at West First Street School, then at Rebecca Grubaugh School, and later, as an eighth-grade English teacher at Ontario Middle School. Barbara was a loving and dedicated mother to her three daughters. Exceptionally devoted to them, she was "that mom" with joie de vivre who made everything magical, and friends felt more like family in her home. Barbara also loved her grandchildren with her entire being, happily taking them on fun excursions all over town, like a repeat of the wonderful times she had with her own daughters years before. In her retirement, Barbara enjoyed gardening, Sudoku, Solitaire, reading and sewing. She loved cheering on the OSU Buckeyes, supporting her favorite basketball player, LeBron James, attending Bible study, and spending time with her friends and retired teachers. A bright light in the lives of all who knew and loved her, Barbara's giving spirit and caring legacy will live on in their hearts. Her radiant smile, kindness, and compassion-in both conversation and deeds-will never be forgotten. Barbara will be dearly missed by her beloved husband of 63 years, Richard; her daughter, Beth Avila, granddaughter Ashley and grandson Anthony; her daughter, Debbie Ubry, son-in-law, Gary and granddaughters Catherine and Allison; her daughter, Cathy Testa, son-in-law Patrick and grandson Enzo; nephew Mike (Heidi)) Doran; sister, Rilla Dorothy Baker; nephews Kent (Kathy) Baker and Kevin (Kim) Baker; nephew Jerry (Toni) Neptune; and many loving extended family members and close friends. In addition to her parents Leland and Laura Neptune, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Harvey and Sevilla Poffenbaugh; four brothers: Ivan, Maurice, Gary and Gerald Neptune; sister Glenna Neptune; sister-in-law Daphne Neptune; and brothers-in-law Ralph Doran and Alvin Baker. Per her wishes, services will be held for immediate family by the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, with Chaplain Kathy Kollar officiating. To honor Barbara-or "Mrs. P." as she was affectionately known by many-please read a book, perform a random act of kindness, or write a thank you note to someone who has made a difference in your life. As a tribute to her, remember to always be positive, be kind to yourself and show kindness to all you meet. Barbara's family extends deepest gratitude to the OhioHealth Hospice team of Mansfield and Wedgewood Estates for giving her so much loving care and their own special sunshine to brighten our darkest days. Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com