Marjorie Barnwell

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated teacher, Marjorie “Kathy” Barnwell, 76, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine. She was born July 31, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Robert N. and Marjorie (Sain) Metz.

On August 27, 1955, she married Robert J. Barnwell in Dayton, and he survives along with their children, Robert J. (Lezlie Lawson) Barnwell of Silver Spring, Maryland, Michael (Sung Ha Suh) Barnwell of New York City, New York, Leslie (Kevin) Proctor of Moorestown, New Jersey and Carol “SuSu” Barnwell of Dublin, Ohio; sisters, Barbara (Eugene) Trela of Venice, Florida and Ann (James) Sieffert of Monterey, Tennessee and seven grandchildren, Adalake Barnwell Eleanor and Colin Proctor, and Lillian, Riley, Arden and Josephine Barnwell. A brother, Walter Metz, preceded her in death.

A member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bellefontaine, Kathy was a 1952 Dayton Julienne High School graduate. She graduated from the University of Dayton and Urbana College and was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi. She was a member of “Card Club”, an avid reader, and loved to travel. Much loved travel traditions were her trips to Europe with each of her grandchildren on their twelveth birthday.

A teacher, Kathy taught at Hi-Point Joint Vocational School from 1976 to 1996. After retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher at the school.

Though never inclined to draw attention to herself, preferring to inspire others through her teaching and example, she did on occasion surprise her family and step into the light, once parasailing high above the Atlantic Ocean on her seventieth birthday.

Rev. Eugene Vonderharr and Deacon Harold Dipple will officiate an 11:00 A.M. funeral mass at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bellefontaine, Monday, May 23, 2011. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine Sunday, May 22, 2011. Interment will be in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o St. Patrick Catholic Church 328 E. Patterson Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

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