Barbara Marie SUTTON (nee Huml), age 77. Passed away on August 29 after a long battle following a stroke at the Parkside Villa Nursing Home.
She leaves her son James David and her sister Audrey. She was an aunt to Terri and Glenn and a great aunt to Katelyn and Mitchell. Barb was born in Cleveland to Jennie and Louis Huml. She graduated from John Adams High School and Kent State University with a Masters in Library Sciences. She briefly was a physical education teacher in the Berea School system, but retired in 2001 after 30 years as Head Librarian for the North Ridgeville School System. She was active in the community and involved in numerous organizations. Barb belonged to the Western Reserve Association for the Preservation and Perpetuation of Storytelling (WRAPPS) and was the newsletter editor for 18 years. Barb was a member of the following professional associations: Florida Storytelling, Lorain County Retired Teachers (serving as president and vice president for 10 years), Ohio Retired Teachers, Ohio Education, National Education, Northeast Ohio Education (serving as newsletter editor), American University of Women (serving as the program chairman for 13 years) and the College Club West (luncheon chairman for 10 years). The community organizations she gave her time and talents to were: The North Ridgeville Arts Council (serving as vice president and programs chairman), North Ridgeville Historical Society (schoolmarm at the one room schoolhouse museum for 8 years), Fraternal Order of the Eagles (#1442), VFW (#9871), Fraternal Order of Moose (#3000), Hungarian Businessmen’s Club. Barb and her friend Andre worked for 12 years on their show “Out and about with Barb and Andre”- The Video Storytellers. Barb was also a patron and supporter of the Clague Playhouse, Olde Town Theatre, The Workshop Players. Barb was a lifetime member of the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo and Kent State University Alumni Assoc. Barb was a professional Storyteller, an avid traveler (with friends all over the world), she loved to dance, and to dress up as Wonder Women every Halloween (her favorite holiday). Barb was a true and loyal friend (AKA- “Zelda Goldfarb”) and a terrific sister and mom. The world will be a little darker, much quieter and a less colorful place without her in it. She will be sorely missed.
Private services were held. Arrangements by The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma. To offer condolences visit www.ZaborFH.com
Messages of Condolence
I am sorry for your loss. The written memorial lovingly described Barbara as a very capable and caring woman who enjoyed the wonderful gift of life (Proverbs 31:31) The many qualities that she displayed are pleasing to our wonderful Creator, Jehovah; who in turn holds out a hope for all of mankind (Acts 24:15)
To Jimmy and Audrey… I will miss Barbs hearty laugh and friendship!Im sure she’s telling a story right now! May you both find peace. Sincerely, Gerri Carr ( Friend and co-teacher for many years)
I was so sorry to hear the news of Barb’s passing. What a wonderful person she was. She would light up a room with her laugh. She was always so full of life and adventure. She didn’t care what anyone thought, she just did her thing. This made any time you spent with Barb a good time. My mother in law used to love to hear her stories at Westlake Village when she would go there to storytell. Barb will be missed but heaven gained a new entertainer.
Jimmy and Audrey,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know Barb is in a better place entertaining everyone with her storytelling. She wouldn’t want to just survive.
You were a really cool gym teacher inspite of that forward roll on the parallel bars you MADE ME DO! Never forget you. Deb Barnosky.
Barb was my gym/health teacher I remember if anyone said I can’t do that Barb would say YOU WILL DO THAT and she helped you until you did do it…….and talk about story telling health class was ALWAYS interesting but informative. Barb Sutton for me will always be remembered as a class act and a beautiful lady.