Barbara Haiflich Brode

Barbara Haiflich Brode peacefully passed away October 12, 2023, with her beloved children at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joseph G. Brode, in 2007. She was born December 4, 1925, on the Hanna Farm on old Route 5, Ravenna, Ohio, the daughter of Ray and Nettie Haiflich. She graduated from Ravenna High School in 1943. An accomplished soprano soloist, she studied at Kent State University. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she sang in the Sanctuary Choir for over 70 years.

She worked at Kertschers in downtown Ravenna for 30 years and also wrote the Ravenna Ramblings column for the Record Courier. She also worked as a precinct worker for the Portage County Board of Elections for many years. At one time she and her late husband also volunteered at Carlin School in the Chapter One Reading Program. She was an active member until her death with Beta Sorosis Club and put in 15 years of volunteering at University Hospitals of Portage County.

She leaves her children Michael (Judy) Brode of Ormond Beach, Florida, Beejay (Greg) Wilson of Great Falls, Virginia, and Lisa (Danny) O’Neill of Ravenna, Ohio. Six grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Conrad of Palm Bay, Florida, Jared (Holly) Brode of Cleveland, Georgia, Geoffrey (McKenzie) Buchanan of Durham, North Carolina, Ian (Katie) O’Neill of Burton, Ohio, Shae (Amber) O’Neill of Akron, Ohio and Brynn (Kevin) Riffle of Tallmadge, Ohio. Also surviving are 14 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her four siblings, Ronald Haiflich, Wilma Cowger, Dwayne Haiflich, and Darwin Haiflich, and grandson, Mitchell Buchanan.

Friends and family will be received Friday, October 20, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, where her memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Private interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either The Center of Hope in Ravenna or The United Methodist Church of Ravenna. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com Special thanks to the staff of Western Reserve Hospice and Longmeadow Care Center for the compassionate care given to Barbara.