Barbara A. Simpson

Barbara Simpson, 89, of Trenton, Ohio peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, under the care of Hospice of Middletown. Born October 22, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois to Kenneth and Meleta Johnson, Barbara’s life was dedicated to enriching the lives of her family. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents and her brother, Robert.

Born into a proud military family, Barbara lived the life of a military daughter through her early years. This experience taught her to easily make friends, to be disciplined in everything she did, to thrive in a new environment and the importance of having a strong family. She spent her youth moving between bases across the country and abroad, including California, Missouri, North Dakota, Greece, Turkey and Japan. While frequent relocations meant adapting to new neighborhoods and new schools, it also gave her a rare gift: the ability to make anywhere feel like home and anyone feel like family. It was while she was in Japan that she met her future husband, Bob, and they were married on Okinawa, Japan in 1958.

Barbara and Bob made their home in Trenton, Ohio for over 55 years and there they raised three sons: Bob (Andrea), Ken (Patricia), and Kelly. Both had 30-year careers within Armco with most of Barbara’s career serving as an executive secretary. Her quick wit and sharp sense of humor were an asset in her workplace, with her friends, and at home. Barbara was a fantastic mom while balancing a demanding full-time job, she seamlessly managed the monumental task of raising three energetic, athletically active boys. She was an excellent cook who prepared a homecooked dinner every evening and was the steady engine of the household never missing a moment to care for her family.

Yet, as wonderful as she was as a mother, she found her greatest joy when she became a grandmother. Her favorite title by far was “Grandma”. She had nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, and her role was the keeper of family traditions, the storyteller, the secret-keeper and the loudest cheerleader. Whether sharing stories from her travels, offering wisdom or simply being there for them, she made every grandchild feel uniquely cherished as she was the source of unconditional love. Her grandchildren were the pride of her life, and she made sure each one of them knew how deeply they were adored.

Barbara loved to read and shared that love of reading with her grandchildren. Her enduring legacy lives on in the family she built guided by her kindness, adaptability and boundless love. Her love, warmth and resilience will live on forever in the hearts of her family.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10-11am followed by a Memorial Service at Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.), Middletown, Ohio, with Father John Civille officiating. Following the service, internment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute to one of these organizations: Edgewood High School Athletic Fund, 3405 Busenbark Rd., Trenton, OH 45067 – OR – Hospice Care of Middletown, 4418 Lewis Street, Suite B, Middletown, OH 45044.

Please sign the guestbook at SpauldingFuneralHome.com