Barbara Earley

Barbara Earley, 84, of Wilmington, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 3, 2022.  She was born in Uvalde, Texas, daughter of the late Harry and Marguerite Boyle-Hardinge.  She attended and graduated from high school in Seward, Alaska.  Her and her husband owned and operated the Lucky Horseshoe Bar and Grill where she became quite well known for her mastery in pie baking.  However, her most cherished position was providing daycare services for many children whom she loved like her own. 

Barb loved to cook and bake pies and received lots of requests for her homemade candies.  She loved flowers and gardening and was an excellent seamstress.  Her quilts will be treasured by her family for many generations to come.  She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Wilmington, loved the Lord and spent several hours a day reading her Bible.  Barb was a truly beautiful person who will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her children, Toni Earley Kirsch of Wilmington, Rusty (Linda) Earley of Lebanon, Ohio, Jim (Terry) Hardinge, of Blanco TX, Helen Earley Rowlands of Wilmington, and Vivian Earley Wertz of Wilmington; former sons-in-law, Rick Wertz and Gary Brannon; grandchildren, Jessica Honchell, Abigail Willett, Kymberly Bills, Barbie Abney, Russell Earley III, Troy Earley, Matt Romprey, Nicholas Brannon, and Sarah Wertz; several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and her special nephew and niece, Norman “Spike” and Janet Mullen.  She is also survived by her loving canine companion, Carley, and feline companions, Ebony, Sammy, Snickers and Cooper. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Russell “Dick” Earley Sr. on April 12, 2011. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Bible Baptist Church, 55 Megan Drive, Wilmington, Ohio.  A funeral service with Pastor Josh Dixon officiating will begin at 1:00 PM, Thursday.  Burial will follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or the Clinton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1024, Wilmington, OH 45177.

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