Barbara May Sowers

Barbara May Sowers passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 31, 2017, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. Barb was born May 25, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio, to Arthur and Georgia Burnard. She attended DeVilbiss High School where she met the love of her life, Eugene Sowers. Barb graduated in January 1944, and then married her high school sweet heart, Eugene Sowers, on April 7, 1944. Barb had a deep love for reading and was devoted to instilling her love of literature to young children. She founded the Elmhurst Elementary School library in November 21, 1967. She volunteered 5 days a week as a librarian for 30 years until she retired in 2000. She was also a member of the Frog Ladies at Flower Hospital. Barb met with the Frog Ladies weekly to sew and stuff frog pillows for sick children. After retiring from the library and the frog ladies she became a full time knitter. She loved to knit hats, scarves and her favorite, “warsh” clothes. Barb also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Gene and friends. Her favorite trips were to Germany, England, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and her favorite place Hawaii. Over the years Barb enjoyed many hobbies. She loved to shop and dress her family to the 9’s. Barb had a fantastic eye for fashion and putting an outfit together for any occasion. She had an extensive collection of Hadley ware, milk glass, frogs, and her favorite snow village. Barb and Gene were part of the Lamplight Dance Club for many years. But her greatest love was for her husband Gene, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; parents, Arthur and Georgia Burnard; brother, Donald Burnard and son-in-law, Eric Pfleghaar. She is survived by her 4 children, Eugene R. (Sudye), Sharyn Trumm (Bruce) , Debbie Judkins, Holly Stanton (Terry); 8 grandchildren, Matt (Janelle), Mark, Mike (Tracy), Amanda Judkins, Abigail Judkins (Jason Ulinski), Jacque Smith, Nick Pfleghaar (Tim), Chip Pfleghaar (Jenny) and 7 great-grandchildren, Sierra, Vance, Will, Morgan, Hunter, Lexus and Jessica. Friends are invited to visit on Friday, February 3rd, from 4-8p.m., at the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, (between Secor and Douglas Roads). Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 4th, at 11a.m., from the funeral home. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank Dr. Huttner and Hospice of N.W. Ohio for all of their kindness and help. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ansberg-west.com

Barbara May Sowers

May 25, 1926 - January 31, 2017