Barbara Jean Schroer, age 80, of Bellefontaine, formerly of New Knoxville, passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of January 2, 2022. She was born August 31, 1941, in Muncie, Indiana, the first child of Harry Lindley and Clara LaVella (King) Lindley. She married Kenneth L. Schroer on October 12, 1963.
Prior to her marriage, she was a college student at Ball State University. After marriage, she and Ken raised their children on their registered dairy farm where the city girl learned to take care of calves, milk cows and make hay in New Knoxville, Ohio. She became well-known for her skills for creating beautiful cakes for weddings and special occasions. She was active throughout her children’s lives in volunteering as a teacher at Vacation Bible Schools and church, helping at school activities and with their 4-H projects. During the late 80’s and early 90’s she ministered as an aide at several nursing facilities in the region. After the kids left the nest, she returned to school and got her medical transcription certificate. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for 10 years in various hospitals in the area. In 1995, she and Ken left New Knoxville and relocated to Bellefontaine where they spent 26 years together in retirement and traveling across the country.
Celebrating the life and legacy she leaves behind includes her husband of 58 years; three children: Cheryl (James) Schroer-Oechsle, Van Wert, OH, Juli (Jeff) Lubelczyk, Elkridge, MD and Scott (Holly) Schroer, Bellefontaine; grandchildren: Harrison, Matthew (fiance’ Mackenzie Ray) and Korey (fiance’ Torie Bockey) Oechsle; Tanner, Rachael and Gavin Schroer; step-grandchildren Stephan (Crystal) Oechsle, Tre Sherman, Rayonna Sherman and great-granddaughters, Kensley Oechsle and Maisyn Miller. siblings: Robert (Sylvia) Lindley, Betty (Roy) Clark and Katherine (Jack) Riviello; brother-in-laws Lloyd Schroer and Dick (Nancy) Schroer and sister-in-law Carolyn Grossman, and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Clarence and Esther Schroer, two grandsons: Andrew and Peter Lubelczyk and several other in-laws and cousins.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 starting at 12:00 noon at the Jennings Farley & Seely Funeral Home (5591 US 68 South, West Liberty, OH). Visitation will be from 10-noon prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow with a committal service beginning at 2:30 P.M. in the Pilger Ruhe Cemetery near New Knoxville, OH.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Kennedy Kreiger Institute. Please direct your gift to the Office of Philanthropy, Kennedy Krieger Foundation, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 or KennedyKrieger.org/Tributes.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com