Barbara Anne Channell
On Sunday, October 31, 2021, Barbara Anne Channell, known for her elegant style, was surrounded by loving family as she traded her earthly clothes for glorious heavenly garments. Barb’s life was full of sweet moments turned into cherished memories. Perhaps one of the most treasured memories is that of her and Russ, her sweetheart of 67 years, always sitting hand-in-hand on their front porch swing. When Barb peacefully entered into the presence of her Savior, she was reunited for eternity with Russ and others she had longed to see again, and those sweet memories, while stolen for a short time, have finally been restored. She can now sit hand-in-hand again on a porch swing in Glory with her beloved Russell.
Barbara, a long-time resident of Ashland, was born on December 21, 1933 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Barb met Russ in Florida while he was serving in the US Air Force and they were married Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952. Russ and Barb settled in Ashland shortly after getting married, where they enjoyed raising their 4 children, traveling, participating in church activities, and loving on their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barbara knew her greatest ministry was within the walls of her own home and raising her children was one of her greatest joys. Being a homemaker was something in which Barb took great pride. She was a talented seamstress and a wonderful cook who enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home.
Barb had a servant’s heart and enjoyed giving her time and skills to help in her community and church. Barb was a Brownie Leader for Grant and Taft Schools and was a member of the Child Guidance Chapter of OCCL. She was part of the Grace Brethren Church Women’s Missionary Council and girls ministry programs.
Barb was an outstanding bowler and enjoyed participating in bowling leagues. An industrious woman, Barb sold Tupperware when her children were young and later worked in the Ashland High School cafeteria as a cook where she became known as “The French Fry Lady”. She retired in 1995.
Barb volunteered at Associated Charities and was an active part of the Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church in Mansfield, Ohio. She faithfully served as a deaconess, taught Sunday school, and sang in the church choir. She loved flowers and created beautiful silk floral arrangements that decorated the church for many years.
The love and hard work Barbara poured out on her community was just an overflow of the abundant love she had for her family. Knowing her extraordinary worth in Jesus, Barbara carried herself with elegance rarely seen today and her love for the Lord was evident. Serving her Lord was her greatest goal, in whatever He called her to do. Now He has called her home.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Russell Channell, daughter Teresa Channell, father William Hockett, mother and step-father Annie and Thomas Jenkins, and her sister Betty Frazier.
Barbara is survived by her sister Rachael Hummell of California; three sons, Alan (Sharon) Channell of Alabama, Garry Channell of Arizona, Jeffery (Melissa) Channell of Plymouth, Ohio; 6 grandchildren, Stacy, Jon, Anthony, Erika, Andrea and Zachary and 11 great grandchildren.
Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland where services will follow at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Pastor Les Vnasdale. Burial will follow in Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Brethren Church, Hospice of North Central Ohio or Associated Charities of Ashland.
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