Jeanne Barends

Jeanne Stoddart Barends was born December 18, 1932, in Worthington, Ohio to John Cole and Lucia Bargar Little Stoddart Despard McElroy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Frederik S. Barends. She graduated from Columbus School for Girls in 1950 and Sweet Briar College in 1954, where she obtained a BA degree in music.

Upon returning to Columbus from college, she met the ‘boy next door’ when Dr. Fred Barends was sponsored from The Netherlands by the Willard Miller family who lived two doors down in Bexley. Their love and marriage spanned over 55 years.

Jeanne was a devout Bible believing woman with a strong faith in Jesus Christ. She maintained an active membership in the Grace Polaris Church for over 50 years.

Her memberships included being a part of the Columbus Country Club, The Columbus Beach Club in Indian River, MI, Hide-Away-Hills in Logan, Ohio, Island Inn in Sanibel Island, Florida, and Children’s Hospital Twig #2.

Jeanne was an avid tennis player who ruled the net with her six-foot tall frame along with her equally tall husband. She loved to sing. She was also a phenomenal grandmother to Hannah, Peter and Parker Barends and spent much time with them. She loved sharing the Gospel and reading the Word of God.

Jeanne was the last surviving family member of six sisters – Lucia Little Lee, Jane Little Keene, Caroline Little Kindle Armstrong, Betty Little Howe, and Mary Stoddart Miller.

She is survived by Frederik Stoddart (Rachel) Barends and Amy Stoddart (Donna) Barends, along with grandchildren Hannah Elizabeth (Conor Loy), Peter Chase and Parker Stoddart Barends.

There are a great group of in-laws, nieces and nephews that will greatly miss her – Brother-in-Law David Miller, David (Christine) Miller, Cindy (Jeff) Stai, Danny (Rose) Miller, Jenny Miller, Janie Bargar Howe Baker, John (Joyce) Howe, Mary Kindle, along with their children, grandchildren, and other extended family members.

The family wants to thank Ruth Boggs for her care and planning of mom’s many appointments and her never-faltering encouragement and friendship. Also, to graciously thank Mary Ann Evans who spent a great deal of time planning activities that they both enjoyed, including the arts around Columbus, trips to the Lake Erie coast and for her friendship in Christ that mom valued so much. We also want to include Christine Davis - life-long friend of the Barends Family who Jeanne viewed as a 2nd daughter.

Memorial donations may be made in Jeanne’s honor to: The Cradle (adoption agency) Memorial Donation, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201 or Grace Polaris Church, 8225 Worthington Galena Rd, Westerville, OH 43081.