Barbara Stafford

Oh. – Barbara Oliver Stafford, 98, passed away January 22, 2023. She was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts to the late Garrison Leroy and Ethel Frances Saxon Oliver on August 30, 1924, the eighth child in a family of thirteen children. Barbara graduated from New Bedford High School in 1942, then went on to Lincoln School for Nurses in New York. She was united in marriage to James Montel Stafford on June 9, 1946 and lived most of her life on their farm in New Paris, Ohio. During that time Barbara and James became foster parents and cared for nearly 50 little children. She was very active throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening, camping, and taking trips to the East Coast, especially to Martha’s Vineyard. Having joined a creative writing group in her late 80’s, she wrote a large collection of true short stories based on her experiences throughout her life. Barbara never spoke a harsh word about anyone and always saw the good in everyone and situations, no matter how challenging both could be at times. She was respected by all in her family for her peaceful and humble ways. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, her children, James Stafford, Jr. of Norton, OH, Kathleen Stafford Russell (Homer) of Zionsville, IN, and Carol Ann Stafford Childress (James) of Richmond, IN, sister in-laws Beverly Oliver, Mary Oliver, Mary Ramos, and Marybelle Stafford, eight grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years of marriage and her parents, Garrison and Ethel Oliver, brothers, Garrison Jr., Ellsworth, Hubert, David, Phillip, Eugene, Donald and sisters, Chrystal Oliver, Rosamond Oliver, Gwendolyn Hilliard, Muriel Simpson and Sylvia Nunnally. Visitation for Barbara Mae Stafford will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Funeral Home with Rev. Martel Winburn, Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Spring Lawn Cemetery in New Paris, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Stafford

August 30, 1924 - January 22, 2023