BarBara Means

BarBara A. Means, 71, of Columbus, died Friday, June 22, 2012 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Galion. Born April 21, 1941 in Lodi, she was the daughter of James and Ruth (McGinty) Merrill. BarBara worked at Pecks True Value in Reynoldsburg and was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and the VFW Aux Post #9857. She loved camping, Harley Davidson motorcycles, country music, NASCAR, and going to garage sales. BarBara had a very giving and generous heart, despite having to put on a tough exterior at times, and loved catching people off guard with her “call it like you see it” attitude.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca (Richard) Forrest of Mansfield; grandchildren, Ashley Forrest and Ridge (Beatrice) Forrest, both of Mansfield, and Keith Lewis of Horseshoe Bend, AR; great grandchild, John Forrest, who was her pride and joy; sisters, Carol (Ronald) Rahall of Mansfield and Vonda (Phil) Zaika of Lexington; brother, Charles Merrill of Pelham, AL; and special companion, Charles “Bud” Stangle and their cat, “Baby Boo”, with whom she made her home with in Columbus. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James Gouge.

Friends may call Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home conducted by Rector Emeritus Rev. David S. Sipes. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Food Bank.