Barbara June (Heaton) Gildersleeve

Barbara Gildersleeve, age 97, passed away September 29, 2026. Barbara was born August 3rd, 1929, in Dorset, Ohio to the late Marvin and Evelyn (Bogan) Heaton.

Barbara was one of six siblings whose family would later move to the Geneva area where she graduated from Geneva High School in 1947. Many stories were told of the jobs she and her siblings had down at “Geneva on the Lake” while growing up. After High School she would work in the office at the Champion Hardware Company in Geneva from 1947 till 1952 when she became a full-time homemaker. She married the late John Gildersleeve on June 17, 1949, at the First Methodist Church of Geneva, and would raise four children: Regina Burk of Jefferson, Thomas (Eileen) of Mt. Vernon, Jeffrey (deceased), and Pamela (Phil Bradshaw) Miller of Jefferson. They moved to Jefferson in 1959 where they raised their family and Barbara become an involved parent with church, school, sports, and numerous other activities. She was always an avid reader and found time to enjoy doing seamstress work and later, embroidery. She also enjoyed going to the theatre for musicals and plays. Barbara returned to the workforce in 1975 to work for the next 20 years in the offices of the Western Reserve Farm Co-Op as an office manager. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling with family and friends throughout the U.S. and Canada, getting to 49 of the 50 states. She also traveled the seas on several cruises.

No matter where she went or what she did, the church and her faith were always a foundational part of who she was. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known her understood that and recognized her as a person of great character. She was a model for all of us to heed, regardless of the struggles or strife of our own lives. For she too faced many as well.

Barbara is survived by her 3 living children; her brother Larry Heaton of Mansfield; her grandchildren/step-grandchildren:  John (Neneeka) Gildersleeve of Davis Creek CA, Michael Gildersleeve of Burgettstown PA, Candice Cole of CO, James (Jocelyn) Miller of Williamsfield, Kimberly (James) Phillips, Michael (Tasha) Meredith. Jessica (Bill) Jacobs; great-grandchildren: Kyle Gildersleeve and Peyton Phillips. As well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband John, who passed away January 28,1981; Sisters Pauline Phillips, Patty Layman, Donna Isenberg, and brother Marvin Heaton; son Jeffrey; Grandson Jason Gildersleeve.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jefferson United Methodist Church or the Henderson Memorial Library.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 17, 2026, at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson Street.  Calling hours will be held from 10:30-12:00, with her funeral service starting at 12:00.  A memorial luncheon will immediately follow the service

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