Barbara Jean Binau

Barbara Jean Binau, age 81, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2013 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Gahanna, Ohio after a courageous battle with a vexing malady. Barbara was born in Marion, Ohio on August 8, 1931, the dear daughter of Avis Ernestine (Chandler) and Ellis Huntley Oiler. She is survived by her beloved sister Avis Pauline Hachten of Marion, Ohio. While growing up, the nurturing of flowers and plants was a family enjoyment which evolved into a lifelong passion for her. She possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of anything that grew and amazed those close to her with it. Barbara was graduated from Marion High School in 1949 and achieved the title of salutatorian in her class; an honor which was a source of pride her entire life. While working for a judge in the Marion County Courthouse, she met the man of her dreams. After walking home from work together every day, Barbara and Frederick Carl Binau of Upper Sandusky were married on June 1, 1952. Fred was no Julia Child in the kitchen so Barbara did most of the cooking. Evenings were spent playing the piano or gardening. Planting seeds and watching them grow into beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables was to them like watching their marriage blossom with the love they had for one another. Life was not without misfortune but with faith and a focus on the brighter side of things, Barbara lived a truly blessed life and was very happy with the path she travelled. Professionally, Barbara retired from the Department of Defense having served career officers with distinction and receiving multiple commendations in the process. She was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church, and a fervant OSU supporter famous for her "Brutus Dance". Barbara took great pride in and pleasure from her family and friends who knew her as loving, friendly, gregarious, energetic, industrious, and creative. She will be missed by all fortunate enough to have been warmed by her light. Preceded in death by her loving parents Avis and Ellis, and her loving husband of 56 years, Frederick. Survived by sister Pauline; two children Eric (Jennifer Rydzewski) Binau of Napa, CA and Amy (Brent) Lee of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; grandchildren Anthony Schaffer, and Brandon and Taylor Lee; great grandchild Braedyn "Peanut" Lee; and many other extended family members and dear friends. Many thanks and well wishes to the Sunrise Assisted Living staff and to the Tridia Hospice staff. Funeral service will be held at 12Noon Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus where family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at Old Mission Cemetery, 420 W. Church St., Upper Sandusky, OH. Pastor Tim Iseringhausen officiating. Donations to celebrate the wonderful life of Barbara can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, or Christ Lutheran Church.