Barbara Holtkamp

Barbara Kirsh Holtkamp, 89, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2015, at her home. She was born May 11, 1926, in Ashland, Ohio, to the late Norman H Shilliday and Margaret E. Appleby Shilliday.

Barb graduated from Hayesville High School and attended The Ohio State University for a short time before marrying the love of her life, Harold Kirsh in 1947. Soon after their marriage, Harold contracted polio and became a quadriplegic. They worked together from 1957 to 1974 in the cost department at Mansfield Tire and Rubber Co. Barb was his sole caregiver throughout his life, tending his every need in the most compassionate and unselfish manner, until his passing in 1985. Following Harold's death, she volunteered and worked at Mansfield General Hospital until 1988.

Barb was blessed with the love of a wonderful man for the second time in her life, and married Calvin Holtkamp in 1988. They enjoyed life to the fullest, traveling and making wonderful memories throughout the years. Calvin showered her with love and affection at every opportunity. They were members of the Johnny Appleseed Square Dance Club and First United Methodist Church. Barb enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, and listening to Big Band music. Sadly, Calvin passed away in 2011.

Barb was very fortunate to have received the love and devotion of two wonderful men in her life. She treasured them both and loved them as completely as they loved her.

She is survived by a daughter, Linda Kirsh Stewart; a grandson, Larry Stewart; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Trevor Stewart; a sister-in-law, Norma Shilliday Simms; a brother-in-law, Lee (Reta) Kirsh; numerous nieces and nephews; stepdaughter, Darla Holtkamp (Frank Nagy); stepson, Daryl (Sherrie) Holtkamp; step grandson, Mike (Trish) Holtkamp; step granddaughter, Heather (Stephan) Deaton. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Phil Kirsh; son-in-law, Richard "Dick" Stewart; and two brothers, Dr. Richard (Pat) Shilliday and Dr. Douglas Shilliday.

A Celebration of Barb's amazing life will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at The Waterford, 1296 S. Trimble Rd., Mansfield. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions honoring Barb's selfless and giving nature may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.