Barb will be greatly missed by all those she touched.  She was truely an incredible lady.  Nothing like getting back from class and smelling those freshly baked cookies.  Someday down the road, I will meet up with her again for a mushroom hunting extravaganza.  My condolences to the Schimmel family.

I'm sorry for your loss.  Know that Barb touched the lives of hundreds of ATO's throughout the years.  She was always there with a knowing smile and a laugh.  She will be missed.

I always enjoyed Barb's  attitude and spirit. She touched many many lives in many ways. Her memory will live on within those who knew her.  Class of '82

Barb was a special person who really helped make the House feel like home. I know those of us lucky enough to know her will never forget her. My sympathies to her family.

Barb was a great person, and a hard worker.  Her recipes were always delicious, too !  The world is a lesser place with her passing - absolutely.  You have my deepest sympathy. - Steve Long

My sincere condolences to the Schimmel family.  Barb was an integral part of the ATO family at Rose.  She always kept things lively and light which we all appreciated and she would always put a smile on your face regardless of the type of day you were having.  She was a very special lady.

Barb was a very special lady.  She knew just how to handle a house full of rowdy guys and her patience with us was amazing.  She touched several generations of ATO men's lives and she will be missed by so many.  My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Barb was loved by all and we enjoyed her smile and friendly banter.  She made us all feel special and was truly one of the ATO family.  You have our deepest sympathy.

Barb joined ATO my senior year and as others have already said - she rescued us.  We only spent a few months together in the house, but the warm reception every time I returned to the house made it seem like a lifetime.  It takes a special woman to live in a house with 50 young men and she was that special woman.  She made a great experience even greater for 20+ classes of ATOs and we are in her debt.  To her family I extend my gratitude and condolences.

Very sorry for the loss of Barb.  I really enjoyed my time with her from 1979-1982.  A great lady and always ready with a laugh.  Don McCracken ATO 1982

Barb was a wonderful, warm addition to the ATO fraternity.  She always had a positive attitude and greeted everyone by name, even those who didn't live at the house. We were all truly fortunate to have such a kind presence in our lives.

Barb made the house seem like home. My sympathies to her family.

Barb was an unforgettable and integral part of our young lives at the ATO House.  She will always be remembered for her kindness, good humor and genuine concern for our well-being.  My fondest memory is that she would always break out in a big grin when we strolled into the kitchen after class and greeted her with a hearty "BAAAAARRBBBB!"

Barb was truly an "institution" at the Rose ATO house in the most kind and loving way.  She really made everyone at the house feel like they had a mom away from home.  My condolences to your family.

Barb was a great addition to our Fraternity back in 1977. She was conscientious and friendly, a joy to chat with. She was never afraid to be a Mom to a bunch of fraternity guys and stood her ground in any debate. My condolences to her family for their loss. Her extended family of hundreds of Rose ATO's are better for having known her and her touching their lives.
Dave Ayars Worthy Chaplin 1978

I am deeply saddened to hear of Barbara's passing.  Barbara was a very good person who had a huge heart.  She virtually rescued the ATO's in late 1976/early 1977, and for that all of us who were there owe her our gratitude.  She put up with a lot, and she was always willing to do something special for any of us: all you had to do was ask.  When I graduated I truly felt that Barbara would miss me, and I think she missed every single one of us.  Now she will be missed.  I would like to extend my condolences to Barb's extended family in your time of sorrow.

Barb was awesome.  She always looked out for "her boys" and we looked out for her in return.  To the family, know that when she left you in the morning to "go to work", she was actually going to a second home, full of boys that loved her too.

Barb will always be fondly remembered by ATO's as someone who was available to talk with like a Mom while away from home.  My condolences to the family.  She will be missed.       Jamie Skinner "80

Barb was like a second Mom to many of us during our time at ATO.  She put up with a lot of good-natured ribbing with a great degree of humor and love.  She will be truly missed, and I have always remembered her magical skills with a deep frier.  Love you BARB!!!

My condolences on the loss of a special lady.  She was a integral part of the special environment in the ATO house.  The ATO house was a better place with her there.

Barb was absolutely wonderful in every way.  I still remember that look she would give any of us when we were behaving like 20 year olds, and then she would just laugh.  My experience at ATO was SO much better because she was there!  She will be missed by all of us....

Rob Banerjee, Class of 1978

Barb was our "Mom away from home" at the ATO house.  She always made us smile and was a great cook - just like a good mom!

Barb served a much greater role than cook at the ATO Fraternity house. She not only provided meals for the brothers, but advice, discipline, and encouragement when someone needed it. She had a great insight into what a brother needed to stay on track. Many a brother is better today for knowing Barb.

Barb touched the lives of many young men, including me.  She was our MOM at Rose and added to the ATO experience.  May she rest in peace.

Barb loved and was very much loved in return by all of her "boys" at ATO.  Words fall short of expressing my sorrow.

Barb loved and was loved very much in return by all of her "boys" at ATO. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow

I was an ATO pledge when Barb started cooking at the house.  

She knew everyone, treated us very affectionately, and was gung-ho for ATO.

At homecoming in 1979, we voted Barb honorary house mother.  She seemed to really appreciate it when they presented her with a dozen roses at homecoming.

I surely do remember her fondly, and I pray for God's blessing on the Schimmel family.

Barb was a great "house mom" with a great sense of humor

Barb started with ATO during my senior year amid some controversy associated with the previous cook.  She very quickly developed a positive relationship with us, acting as a friend and...maybe not a mother but a favorite aunt.  She clearly loved us all and loved helping and working for us.  I am so sorry about your loss.

I have a lot of great memories of Barb, she was like a Mom away from home.  Always fun to be around, she will be missed.  She was loved at ATO.

Barb was fondly remembered at our thirtieth class reunion last October.  The ATO kitchen looked the same, but it was missing its personality.  Peace be with you Barb.

As a member of the ATO Fraternity, I have fond memories of Barb.  I don't know how she put up with cooking for a bunch of fraternity guys for so long, but she did.  She had a great personality and fit in with all of the guys.  She always seemed to know what was going on with everyone, and didn't hesitate to throw out a jab or two to anyone that might come into her kitchen.  I know I can speak for all the ATO brothers when I say we appreciate having the opportunity to know Barb and thank her for all that she did.  RIP

OBITUARY

Barbara Jean Dowell Schimmel

October 20, 1929 – May 9, 2011

Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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