Barbara S Catto

Barbara was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941. As a baby, she moved to Columbus with her parents, Sam and Dorothy Solomons (née Reichle). She graduated from University High School in 1959 and went on to earn a degree in Education from The Ohio State University in 1968. That same year, she began her first teaching position at Willis Park Elementary School. In 1975, Barbara earned her master’s degree in Education. She spent more than 30 years teaching for Columbus Public Schools, where she was beloved by students and parents alike.

Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheryl Rice, and her sister, Natalie Merle. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Maple; her son, Joseph Maple; her sister, Chaya Solomons; her daughter-in-law, Jan Maple; and her grandchildren, Frankie Maple and Emmett Staskauskas.

Barbara loved to travel, was a voracious reader, and enjoyed seeing live music in Columbus. Over the years, she saw many legendary performers, including Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oates, and Earth, Wind & Fire. She also enjoyed arts and crafts shows and was a longtime season-ticket holder for the Broadway Series at the Palace Theatre.

She was a formidable Scrabble player. She never gloated when she won, which was often, but she did have one firm rule: losing was not nearly as much fun as winning. She brought the same competitive spirit to card games, especially Bridge and Gin Rummy. Around Barbara, you quickly learned that friendly competition was still competition.

We will celebrate Barbara’s life with a memorial service in the spring of 2027. The service will also commemorate the life of her beloved daughter, Sheryl, who passed away on December 27, 2025.