Vonda Lee Barner

Vonda Lee Barner, age 88 of Middletown, passed away Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant in Monroe, Ohio. She was born on February 13, 1938, the daughter of Deward Belmont Abney and Opal Land Abney.

Vonda was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Middletown, Ohio. There, she volunteered as the treasurer of the Ohio Baptist Women’s Office, she was a long-time member of the Mary Martha Sunday School class, she was a Sunday School teacher, she volunteered as the President of the American Baptist Women, and she held many other leadership roles.

Vonda was an excellent seamstress, sewing many clothes for her daughters as well as quilts for her family. She crocheted afghans and scarves. She enjoyed several needlepoint and embroidery projects. In addition, she sewed countless stuffed animals and dolls for the many bazaars held at the church.

Vonda spent many hours caring for her five children through daily life, which included school, band, Scouts, and Church Youth Group. She also worked hard prepping and canning food from the family garden. Beyond her many homemaker duties that came with raising a large family, Vonda also found time to serve for many years as Administrative Assistant for Abilities First, formerly known as Doty House.

Vonda was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Walter Lamont Barner; her parents, Dewey and Opal Abney; her brothers, Robert and Ralph Abney; and her son, James Daniel Barner.

She is survived by two daughters, Leah B. (husband, Brad) Foster and Amy J. Barner; two sons, Timothy R. Barner (wife, Laura Solano) and Jeffrey S. Barner; three grandchildren; sister Dearel Long, and her brother William Abney(wife Barbara Abney). A special thanks goes out to her niece, Carol Donson, who provided Vonda with countless support over the years; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 13th, at the First Baptist Church, 4500 Riverview Drive, Middletown, Ohio, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00. Interment will be at the Butler County Memorial Park, Hamilton, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:00 a.m. Please visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences for the family.