Barb was born to the loving parents of Mary (Spencer) and Richard Slade on November 28, 1941 in Neave Township, Ohio. Barb attended school at Arcanum, Ohio. Barb married her husband, Jerry L. Bixler, on August 7, 1959 in Castine, Ohio. Barb graduated with a college degree in Social Services and was later employed as M.R.D.D. Coordinator at Quality Residential Alternatives for over 20 years. Barb was a strong advocate for her residents and worked well with the providers.
Barb was actively involved with Greenville Evangelical United Methodist Church as a greeter, Sunday school teacher, and in mission work. Barb was honored with Ginghamsburg United Methodist’s Towel & Basin award for her service to the Clothesline Ministry and Counseling Center. She often volunteered for many organizations including: Darke County Youth for Christ, Greenville City Schools, Give Kids the World in Florida, and the Red Cross. She was an avid bowler and won the Women’s Greenville City Bowling League. She enjoyed playing the piano, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Barb is preceded in death by her parents: Richard & Mary Slade; brother: Richard Slade; and nephew: Bradley Slade.
Barb is survived by her spouse: Jerry Bixler; sister: Delores (Slade) Unthank, children: Kimberly (Bixler) & Daryl Moore, Tammy (Bixler) & Mark Abell, Kristina (Bixler) & John Heath, and Jeff & Tracie (Brawley) Bixler; grandchildren: Julie (Moore) & Ray Brothers, Brandon and Brittany (Dankworth) Moore, Madison Bixler, Denise Rohrer-Burden, Sarah Abell, Andrew Abell; great-grandchildren: RJ Brothers, Landon Brothers, Brady Brothers, Daphne Moore, Timothy James (TJ) Burden, and a great grand-daughter due in March; beloved pet dachshund, Bodie.
A service will be held on Monday February 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM at EUM Church 111 Devor Street, Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 Pm on Sunday February 9, 2020 at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio and 1 hour prior to services on Monday at the church.
It is the wishes of the family that Memorial Contributions be given to the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities, or to Greenville Evangelical United Methodist Church-Missions. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the caregivers who lovingly helped Barbara.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
