Barbara Frost

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Jane Frost shares the news of her passing on May 17, 2021. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Jack M Frost, Sr. and her daughter, Summer J. Frost. She is survived by her son, Jack (Ann). Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Lisa (Brad) and grandsons, John (Martha) and Jeffrey as a devoted grandmother who showed her love for them with her presence and affection. Barbara is also survived by her siblings: Betty Hunt, Nancy Kemp, Donna Massara, Judy Zinser, Harold Skeen, Beverly (Bob) Nevills, Donald (Sandy) Skeen, and Linda Skeen. She will also be forever remembered by her many nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Born on August 29, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, Barbara was the eldest daughter of Lucille and Joseph Skeen, Sr. As one of fifteen children, Barbara learned early about the importance of family and caring for one another. It was during this time she developed her deep sense of appreciation for the needs of others and gratitude for the simpler, more meaningful things life had to offer.

Barbara had a passion and innate ability for growing things. Whether caring for her African violets or nurturing her children, grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, her approach was the same: tenderness and compassion. She had a way of combining her naturally positive outlook and forward thinking that, at one time or another, helped so many family members through challenging times. This was her gift - and a gift she shared with many others, along with a cup of coffee or two around the kitchen table.

While she worked in various positions in Columbus -- as a teenager (cashier at her local Kroger) and young adult (Commercial Motor Freight) -- Barbara found her true calling owning a daycare for 20+ children while living in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For more than 10 years, "Mommy Barbara"-as she was affectionately called by the children she cared for - ran a tight ship, but one that was filled with love and based on the lessons she learned as a child.

Returning to Columbus in 1979, Barbara was thrilled to be, once again, close to her mother, brothers, and sisters, and extended family. She enjoyed hosting many birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and other family and friend events…always greeting people with a genuine smile and welcoming hug.

Robert Frost once wrote: "There never was a heart truly great and generous that was not also tender and compassionate." This simple sentence truly exemplifies Barbara's life. Her legacy can be found in the lives she touched, the friendship she offered, and the love she so willingly gave to each person she met.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, from 6 - 8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST FUNERAL HOME, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna, and again Wednesday, May 26 from 10 - 11 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 11 a.m.; Mark Dettmer to officiate. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery . A livestream of the service will be available on her Tribute Wall for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Barbara's name to The Homeless Families Foundation- 33 N.Grubb Street, Columbus, OH 43215, or to a charity of your choice.