Barbara Lee Schilling (nee Witchie), 85, peacefully passed away in her sleep on October 15, 2021 at her home, in the company of her three sons. Barbara was born on January 10, 1936, in Zanesville, to Frederick and Margueritte Witchie, who owned the Buick dealership in Zanesville. She attended Saint Mary of the Springs Boarding School in Columbus, Ohio before attending Case Western Reserve University, where she graduated with a perfect G.P.A, Summa Cum Laude. Barbara initially worked as a public health nurse in Cleveland, notably in the Hough Area, where she was often seen in her traditional nursing cap while compassionately caring for the distressed, homeless, sick and also victims of racial injustice and discrimination. Barbara met her husband, Charles E. Schilling in Cleveland when he graduated from John Carroll University, through Patricia Schilling, who was also a nurse. Charles and Barbara married on October 5th, 1963. Barbara moved back to Zanesville where she earned a Masters Degree at Ohio State University, and settled into a position as Associate Professor of Nursing within the Ohio University network of campuses. Barbara principally instructed Psychiatric Nursing at OUZ, yet covered all campuses as a visiting professor. She attended courses throughout her career at University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and OSU. She retired in 2003, as Emeritus Professor of Ohio University.
Although a scientist and realist, Barbara embraced her religion as a Catholic, and was a selfless volunteer within the Church. She also owned property in Zanesville and allowed catholic charities, as well as people in need, to reside rent-free until they could recover.
Barbara is survived by her children, Charles (Dina), Joseph, and Michael (Chonladee Liamtrakul), and 11 grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her dear friend and sister-in-law Patricia McKenna. Barbara was preceded in death by her twin sister, Nancy Arledge.
Due to Covid, a closed, private funeral will take place at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in light of the closure of St. Thomas Aquinas. Burial will conclude at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
The SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD, ZANESVILLE, OH has the distinct honor of serving the family. To send a note of condolence go to www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on Facebook or call our locally owned caring staff at 740.450.8000.
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