Barbara W. Turley

Barbara Anne Wade Turley peacefully returned to God at the age of 88 on 10/3/2023 at Kobacker House hospice in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on 1/21/1935, in Ironton, Ohio. She was predeceased by husband Gail D. Turley on 7/8/1997, parents Earl V. & Elizabeth I. (Wiseman) Wade. Also predeceased by her sister Betty Lutz and step great-grandson, Arlo Reed Holley.

Barbara worked in advertising with station WSAZ in Huntington, W.VA. before she moved to Columbus. She then started her 25 year+ career with the State of Ohio. Retiring in 1991 from the Ohio dept. of Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) as the Public Information Officer. After retirement Barb faithfully volunteered at the Ohio State House museum/gift shop and later enjoyed working in retail at Cold Water Creek clothing store.

Barb was an active member of the Worthington Presbyterian Church for over 45 years, serving on many committees and sharing just some of her talents. A favorite activity of hers, with the church, was playing in the hand bell choir. Barb was an avid reader and loved to crochet & work on puzzles. There were always one or two cats in her life to love on and spoil, including her most recent farm cat find, Socks.

Barb married Gail D. Turley on 1/27/1979 and they enjoyed an adventure filled marriage together for 18 and a half years. They owned and operated a commercial hot air balloon business that allowed them to meet many new friends and share new experiences. A houseboat on the Ohio River & a motor home helped them spend time with family & friends and expand on their travels to many destinations. One trip was a highlight, when they traveled by train up the California coast to Seattle.

Later on in Barbara's life she developed a warm relationship with her friend Dennis Wysocki, who had been the asst. director of RSC, and he too, had lost his partner, his wife. Their relationship expanded when they continued to share lunches even when the RSC group paused their monthly lunches during the COVID pandemic. Soon, they were planning many trips together from Nova Scotia, the Grand Canyon, Maine and a favorite spot in South Carolina. They were great companions for each other. Dennis will miss his morning telephone call with Barb, playing the card game “Quiddler,” and the sharing of many meals together. He will miss his “Best Friend”.

Barbara is survived by a large loving family of four step-children, Jana (Dave) Potocki, Judi (Bob) Nagode, Jodi Turley and Mark Turley. Six step-grandchildren, Jeremy Chapin, Amber (Jimmy) Cashwell, Mandy (Steven) Holley, Noelle Turley, Natalie Turley & Nadia Turley. Also, surviving her are six step-great grandchildren, Reagan Cashwell, Wyatt Cashwell, Vanessa Loya, Joni Holley, Charlotte Loya and Tucker Adams. Barb is also survived by her late sister Betty's step family, Sheila Lutz, retired Fr. Kevin Lutz, Michaeleen “Mikey”(Ed ) Wesley and their children & families.

Friends and relatives are welcome to join us on Tuesday Oct.10th in the Chapel of The Worthington Presbyterian Church 773 North High Street Worthington, Ohio 43085. Visitation will be from 11:00am – 12:30pm.

A Celebration of Life service will occur immediately after the Visitation in the Sanctuary of Worthington Presbyterian Church at 12:30pm.

There will be a private family graveside service at Walnut Grove cemetery in Worthington, Ohio

If you care to make a donation, you may do so at either:

Worthington Presbyterian Church wpcnow.org

Delaware County Humane Society hsdcohio.org