Barbara Jean Lewis
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
202 Maple Ave., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656
(p) 740-682-6696 (f) 740-682-7862
Barbara Jean Lewis of Thurman, Ohio passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born November 3, 1937, to the late Phillip and Ruth (Carter) Kuhn in Oak Hill, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dale Lewis; son, Robert Phillip Lewis; daughter, Tracy Lewis Deel; and son-in-law, William Todd Deel, as well as several sisters- and brothers-in law.
Barb is survived by sons and daughters-in law: Christopher (Judy) Lewis, Brian Scott (Leesa) Lewis, and Tina Lewis; brother, Dan Kuhn; brother-in-law, Calvin (Beverly) Lewis; sister-in-law, Sandy (Karl) McCain, and many nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Christopher (Brooke) Lewis, Jr., Jenny (Evan) Davis, Whitney (Aaron) Fair, Amanda (Corey) Young, Ian (Carly) Lewis, Zakary (Cayla) Deel, Dylan (Lakin) Lewis, Madison (Jacob) Deel-Williams, and Dalton Lewis. Thirteen great-grandchildren: Kylie, Connor, Rhys, Kruise, Lily, Kynlee, Izzy, Nash, Eva, Barrett, Phillip, Boone, and Quinn.
Barb was a 1956 graduate of Oak Hill High School. She and Bob (Louie, as she called him) made their home in nearby Gallia County where they raised their four children. Barb was a stay-at-home mom while her children were small. Later, she started working as a home health aide then started her career caring for others at Gallipolis Developmental Center from where she retired.
Barb was a friend to all and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She shared her love through her famous cooking skills, frequently sharing a pot of her homemade noodles and apple or chocolate cakes. She had a way of always making things taste special.
She loved to travel and tried many new things in her later years. She enjoyed annual trips to the beach with her family, plane rides, a cruise, and ballgames (she was an avid fan of UK basketball, OSU football and basketball, and the Cincinnati Bengals.) She also loved going to country music concerts and made sure everyone knew that Trace Adkins held a special place in her heart. She danced at her grandchildren’s weddings and never let age hold her back.
Barb also loved the Lord. She attended various churches throughout her life, most recently Liberty Baptist and Fellowship of Faith. Her bible was always close, and she found comfort in His Word, especially in recent years following the losses of her son and daughter. God is close to the broken hearted. Those that loved her find comfort in her passing, knowing she is at peace with her Savior.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 pm at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Bucky Shoemate officiating. Burial will follow in CM Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Phil Lewis Memorial Scholarship, 1558 Moriah Rd., Oak Hill, Ohio 45656. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lewisgillum.com.