Barbara Jeanne Klinker

Barbara J. Klinker, 84, of Lancaster, Ohio, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Pickering House and Hope Hospice in Lancaster. Born on June 16, 1941, in Lancaster, Barbara was the daughter of John and Betty Brown (née Ottstot). She graduated from Lancaster City Schools with the Class of 1959.

In 1963, she married the love of her life, Howard E. “Jack” Klinker Jr., with whom she shared more than five decades of devotion until his passing on January 17, 2016. Barbara and Jack raised two daughters, Elizabeth Peck (Brian) and Suzanne Owens (Arthur). She was preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth on February 17, 2021.

A proud and active member of the Lancaster High School Class of 1959, Barbara cherished the lifelong friendships she maintained with her classmates. She especially enjoyed her regular lunch dates with the “gals of 1959,” a group that brought her great joy and connection throughout her life. Barbara was a member of Lancaster United Methodist Church. Though her health often prevented her from attending services in person, her faith remained steadfast, and she carried the spirit of her church community with her always.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Owens (Arthur) of Lancaster, Ohio; her granddaughter, Taylor Welch (Colin) of Dundee, Michigan; and her grandsons, Logan Owens of Crestview Hills, Kentucky, and Nicholas Owens of Lancaster, Ohio. She is also survived by her brothers in law, Richard Klinker (JoAnn) and Dwight Klinker (Susan), and her sister in law, Corrine Klinker.

A visitation will be held at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, on January 31, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same venue on January 31, 2026, starting at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, following the service.