Barbara Lynn Secrest
Barbara Lynn Secrest, of Shelby, died just two days short of her 82nd birthday on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Barb was born December 17, 1939 in Athens, Ohio to the late Marvin Paull and Frances Marie (Nichols) Wood. She was a graduate of Caldwell High School and had attended Ohio University. Barb had been employed at Shelby Business Forms for a short period in her life but, was primarily a homemaker, raising not only her own children but also watched many teachers’ children throughout the school year.
Barb was a very active member of First United Methodist Church in Shelby. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, sang in the choir, was the head of funeral dinners for many years, served on the memorial committee, and volunteered for the annual vacation bible school in addition to any other activities she was asked to participate in. In 2020, Barb was rightfully recognized for her active volunteerism with the Jess Rath Christian Volunteer Service Award. Barb was a member of the Child Guidance League Mother’s Club, enjoyed time spent with her euchre club, was an avid reader, and liked putting together jigsaw puzzles and solving word searches. She also enjoyed knitting.
Barb’s family was incredibly important to her. On August 16, 1964 she married Darrell John Secrest and he survives. Throughout their 57 years of marriage, Darrell and Barb enjoyed many life events together. When their three children were in school and members of the Shelby Whippet Band, Barb became active with the Band Parents helping with all the activities and events long past the time her children were in the program. Later, her grandchildren were the light of her life and she relished any time she could spend with them, teaching each different life skills, and following all of their activities. With Darrell enjoying aviation and flying, Barb enjoyed flying with him, and also looked forward to taking car rides so that she could look for deer across God’s country. Barb was an avid Shelby Whippet fan and thoroughly enjoyed cheering them on in any sport and was also a fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
In addition to her husband, Darrell, Barb is survived by her 3 children: Brent (Jennifer) Secrest of Wilson, NC, Eric (Jennifer) Secrest of Westerville, and Michele (Mark) Deutchman of Acworth, GA; 6 grandchildren: Alexander “A.C” Secrest, Elizabeth “E.J” Secrest, Emma Secrest, Jack Secrest, Jamie Deutchman, and Seth Deutchman; a sister: Beth Saling of Caldwell; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Nancy and Bob Rudge of Caldwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1-3 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby where a celebration of life will immediately follow at 3 pm. Revs. Jeff Croft and James MacDonald will officiate the celebration and a luncheon will be held at the church following services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church to be put toward their annual vacation bible school or The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research (Fund Number: 646870) at www.giveto.osu.edu.
Care for Barb and her family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence on Barb’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on her post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
To view Barbara’s tribute video, follow the link provided: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/96NNDT4Q69TP7WFN
Barb was always a wonderful lady. I have so many fond memories of her while attending the same church when I was younger. Prayers for the family during this time.
Steve and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the whole Secrest family for your great loss. I will always remember your family as our neighbors all those years on Roberts Dr. God keep you all in the palm of His hand as you go through these trying days.
Michelle and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Darrell, we are very sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers.
Dana & Jenny Pennell
My sincere condolences to all of the Secrest family. I lived across the street on Glenwood Dr.
I can remember the day Barb and Darrell moved into the house. Also when the kids were babies.
Barb would bring Christmas cookies over in later years to my parents.
Mary Troxell Ruckman
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Barb was a beautiful lady. Prayers for the days ahead
Eric, Jenn, Emma, Jack & the rest of the family,
Thoughts and prayers with you as you walk this journey! May God’s love fill you with His peace! Much love!
Darrell, Brent Eric and Michele:
Jean and I are sad to learn of Barb’s passing. She was a very good person, one of the nicest people we have ever known. May she rest in peace.
My deepest condolences.
Mr. Secrest, Michele, Brent, and Eric, I’m so sorry that your hearts are hurting so much all because of the tremendous love you have for your wife and mom.
Barb was always such a joyful woman who had an adorable smile and infectious laugh. Her gentle soul and loving heart touched so many of us!
I pray that in the coming hours, days, weeks, and beyond that you find smiles through your tears as you think of the many wonderful memories you made with one another! Much love and prayers for you.
Darrell, children, and extended family, Our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your loving Barb. She left quite a legacy. She did so much for others.
Hers was a life well lived. Cherish the memories she left with you.
Darrell, condolences to you and your family on Barb’s passing. We will always be grateful for the assistance you and Barb gave to my parents in their later years.
My deepest condolences to you all! May the memories you have warm your hearts and give you peace. Very sorry for your loss ❤️
Dear Michelle and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you .
May your Mom R.I.P.
May her memory be a blessing
Love
Elaine and Sherwin
I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I have great memories of listening to Barb and Darrell visit and play cards with my parents (Gary and Helen Cole) and laughing the entire time. She was a good friend to my mom and Barb and Darrell provided good support to my dad following my mom’s death. I know you will all miss her so much.
We just learned of Barb’s passing. Our deepest condolences Darrell and family. May the wonderful memories you have provide some comfort at this time.
To the family, especially Beth, I am so sad to learn of Barb’s passing. We had a great childhood, thanks to our parents and to your Dad. May you find peace at this special time of year.
Michele and Family,
Sending love and peace to all of you as you remember your sweet Mom.
Love, Julie and Charlie
Eric and family. Very sorry for your loss
To the entire Secrest family, we are sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. We will keep you in our prayers this holiday season. Our condolences to your family from ours.
The Fred Villao family
Ed Villao
Nancy Villao