Barbara Stoneman

Barb was born on August 1, 1934, in Bainbridge, Ohio, to Mildred and William Holladay. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jim Stoneman. After Jim’s service in the Marine Corps ended in 1956, they began their life together in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jeanne Harris, and her beloved husband, Jim Stoneman, with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Barb attended Miami of Ohio University for two years and held several part-time jobs before dedicating herself to raising her four daughters. She later taught preschool, worked as a medical office assistant, and served as a secretary. Her favorite role was being Jim’s traveling secretary while he was the Florida Sales Representative for Grady White Boats — a job she cherished for the time it allowed them to work side by side and travel together.

She is survived by her four daughters, Shelley Deal (John), Peggy Hochuli (Rob), Patty Griffin (Scott), and Jennifer Gilman (Ben); her grandchildren, Stephanie Gravley (Paul), Scott Deal (Whitney), Matthew Edwards, Jeff Hochuli (Mindy), Will Griffin (Rachel), Danielle Davis (Will), DJ Gilman (Kylie), Joshua Gilman (Paige), and Chris Gilman (Lucy); and her great-grandchildren, Luke, Noah, Eli, Lennon, Levi, Mattie, Ruby, Avery, Walker, Sloane, Ford, and Nolan. Each of them carries a part of her love and spirit forward. She was lovingly known as “Grandy” to them all — a title she treasured most.

Throughout the years of raising her four daughters, Barb and Jim moved from California, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Texas, and finally back to Greenville, North Carolina. Everywhere they lived, Barb made lifelong friends — she was a true social butterfly who always brought people together, whether for church, family, or a celebration.

In 1986, Barb and Jim moved to Homosassa Springs, Florida, their dream home where they would live out the rest of their lives. Life on the Homosassa River was full of special family memories — enjoying the springs, watching the manatees, visits to Monkey Island, time at The Crow’s Nest and Crumps and countless family celebrations. Barb’s friends lovingly crowned her the “Homosassa Queen” of Riverhaven, a title she carried with her signature warmth and charm. Though her friends were very dear to her, her family always came first. Becoming a grandmother was especially meaningful to her, and her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Barb lived her life with quiet grace, humor, and an open heart. Her family will remember her gentle strength, her warmth, and her ability to make every house a home. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the extraordinary gift of making ordinary moments feel unforgettable.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Homosassa Springs, Florida, on January 17, 2026. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st Street, Ocala, FL 34471.