Barbara Ralph

Barbara Ione Miller Ralph died peacefully on May 6, 2018 while surrounded by her loving family.  Barbara (nicknamed “Bim”) was a lifelong resident of Fairview and for the past 3 1/2 years resided at Rolling Fields in Conneautville where she received compassionate and loving care from the Care Partners.

Barbara was born on August 10, 1933 to the late Florence (Waidley) and Bronson Miller.  She married William E. Ralph, Jr. on February 25, 1956 at the Fairview Methodist Church.  Her beloved “Billy” preceded her in death on August 15, 2017.

Barbara is survived by her children, Gaylene Eckleberry and her husband Mark of Waynesburg, Gwen Garbarino, Esq. and her husband G. Barrett Garbarino, Jr., Esq. (Barry) of State College, Grant Ralph of Girard and Greg Ralph of Fairview. 

“Grandma” loved spending time with her grandchildren, Haley Baird, Casey Baird, Jennifer Ralph and Stokely Ralph.  She is survived by her 5 step-grandchildren, Kari Roupe (Chris), Kayla Eckleberry, Payden Eckleberry, Brooke Bonovitch and G. Barrett Garbarino III (Louis).  She is survived by her 5 step great-grandchildren, Laikynn Eckleberry, Kase Roupe, Colt Roupe, Molly Bonovitch and Zachary Bonovitch. 

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Vaska Ralph Lewis (Tom) of Millcreek and her brother David (Judy) of South Carolina. 

Barbara had many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was especially close to her nieces Doris Kroto and Denise Anselment . 

Barbara had many devoted friends including Shirley Loeslein, Sally Fairchild and the late Sally Palmer.  Shirley Loeslein and Sally Fairchild were Bim’s “guardian angels.” They visited her on a weekly basis at Rolling Fields. 

In addition to the wonderful care that Bim received at Rolling Fields, she received extraordinary care for her Alzheimer’s disease from Dr. Elizabeth Ramsey and her staff in Meadville. 

Barbara graduated from Fairview High School in 1951.  She graduated from Erie Business College in 1953 and worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Russell Roth in Erie.  She served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Hospital Corpman from November 1954 until her honorable discharge in November of 1958. 

Barbara was a lifelong member of the Fairview United Methodist Church and as a faithful disciple of Christ was very active in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs as well as serving on church committees. 

Barbara was a very talented athlete.  She played tennis at Lake Shore Country Club, Westwood Racquet Club and participated in the Erie Women’s Tennis League.  She developed close friendships over the many years that she played tennis.  She also enjoyed several other sports including swimming, cycling and cross-country skiing. 

She was a creative seamstress and upholsterer.  She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.   She was an avid fan of professional tennis and baseball.  She enjoyed playing cards with her many friends.  Traveling was one of Barbara’s favorite pastimes.  Among her favorite trips were visits to  Europe, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. 

Visitation will be held at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26^th St., (at Powell Ave.) on Saturday May 19^th from 9am until the time of the service at 11am with Rev. Jack Tickle, of the Fairview United Methodist Church, presiding.  Burial immediately following in Fairview Cemetery with full military honors. 

Memorials may be made to the Rolling Fields Memorial Fund, 9108 State Highway 198, Conneautville, PA 16406 or to the Fairview United Methodist Church, 4601 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA 16415.