H. Marilyn Barnes

It is with heavy hearts that I announce the passing of my beloved parents. They were not only loving partners but also wonderful individuals who touched the lives of many. Their love for each other was extraordinary and a shining example to all who knew or met them. Many people thought of them as the Notebook couple! ❤️

Russ passed on April 4, 2023, Marilyn followed on September 20, 2023. In death as in life, they were always each other’s number one, and hated being apart from each other. They met at Ohio State and married nine months later. When you know, you know. They started their married lives in Boston, where my mom put dad through MIT. After graduation, they moved to Columbus and mom finished her education and dad worked on his Ph.D. after starting at Battelle.

Russ was a shining example of kindness and compassion and patience. He dedicated his life to his family and his research. His selflessness and unwavering support will be remembered by all who knew him. He had a wicked sense of humor that could bring you to your knees!

Marilyn loved maintaining a beautiful home for Russ and their family and friends. She loved to cook and have dinner parties. How she did all that out of that tiny kitchen will always astound me! She worked for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation for 25 years and loved setting up programs to help others.

Together, they loved to spend time together, with family, travel, read, and enjoy their north forty for dad’s famous Manhattans.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable couple, let us celebrate their lives and the indelible impact they made. May their memories bring comfort and solace to all who knew them. They will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to BalletMet in honor of Russ and Marilyn.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Schmidt’s in German Village from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

They are survived by daughters Leslie Middleton (Kevin) and Elizabeth Batcha; grandchildren Elise Hudson (Bob Hunsick), Kendall Hudson and Jolie Batcha; great-grandchild Theo Hunsick; siblings Carole (Don) Haber, John Klingensmith, Robert Barnes (Virginia) Patsy Long; and nieces Shelly (John) Cocomelli and Teri Adams. And too numerous to name but many, many close dear friends.