Barbara Jean McElroy

Barbara Jean McElroy, 72 of Kent Ohio passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2025. Born on February 2, 1953, in Ravenna, Ohio. Barbara spent most of her life in the Ravenna and Kent communities, she loves so deeply.

Barbara was the beloved wife of David McElroy for 51 years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to family. She was the cherished mother to son David McElroy (Emily) and daughter Julie McDonald and the proud, adoring grandmother of Anthony and Cameron McDonald, She also had two bonus children, Carolyn and Ricky. Barbara is also survived by her loving sister and best friend Debbie Griffin, and many nieces and nephews.

A hard-working and passionate woman, Barbara was self-employed for over 50 years and still worked full-time. She absolutely loved her customers as they were her longtime friends. She often said she had the best customers in the world, and that they would surely say the same about her. Her kind heart and generous spirit left a mark on everyone who knew her.

Barbara love the simple joys in life: Reading a good book, cooking up delicious meals, baking, countless treats, and trying her luck at the casino. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, and her love was endless.

She was known for doing anything for anyone without hesitation. Whether it was baking and sharing 40 loaves of bread just because, or being the person everyone could count on, Barbara gave from the heart-always.

Barbara was truly one of a kind: Strong, warm, selfless, and endlessly loving. Her absence leaves a hole in the lives of many, but her memory and legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

There will be a small memorial service at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery,

10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio, on August 1, 2025, at 2:45 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Donations in Barb’s memory can be made to: Solve M.E. Please email Emily Taylor at [email protected] for more information.