Barbara Ann English

Barbara Ann (Walton) English, 52, of Gnadenhutten, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a courageous battle with cancer.

A daughter of Curtis Eugene “Houg” Walton and the late Betty Irene (Smitley) Walton, Barb was born February 3, 1962 in Union Hospital at Dover, Ohio.

Barb attended Claymont High School prior to her family moving to New Philadelphia. She then graduated from New Philadelphia High School and Buckeye Career Center in 1980. Then on July 18, 1981, Barb married the love of her life, Dennis English and together the couple raised two daughters, Desiree and Deidra.

She was formerly a hairdresser and secretary at John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church at Gnadenhutten. Then for nearly the past nine years, Barb lovingly cared for her great nephews, Kaiden and Breyan who referred to her as “BB”, as their babysitter.

Barb was a woman of great faith and was a longtime and active member of the John Heckewelder Memorial Moravian Church at Gnadenhutten. She was the Outreach Chairwoman of the Women’s Fellowship and a Diener along with Dennis, a former member of the Childcare Board and an Interior Sexton at the church. Barb was also a member and leader of the Ohio Community of Faith and Journey Through Faith.

She enjoyed collecting primitive antiques and visiting flea markets as well as scrapbooking and traveling. Most of all she cherished her family, being in their company and all of the wonderful moments they shared over the years.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 33 years, Dennis; her daughters and sons-in-law, Desiree and Matthew Easterwood of Akron and Deidra and Benjamin Mitsoff of Dayton; a granddaughter, Isley Ann Mitsoff and an expected grandson; her father, “Houg” Walton of New Philadelphia; her sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Rick Kinsey of Uhrichsville; her mother-in-law, Doris English; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rod and Connie English and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dena and Mike Putnam all of Gnadenhutten; a special cousin, Brenda Menapace of Dennison who was more of a sister to Barb; special friends, Bob and Laura Ann Geiger of Gnadenhutten and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Walton who passed away on October 31, 2000 and her father-in-law, Harold English who passed away on February 21, 2005.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Darrell Johnson officiating. A luncheon will be held in the Hospitality Room in the funeral home following the service. In keeping with Barb’s wishes cremation will follow the services.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Barb by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Barb’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663.