Barbara Jewel (Lusch) Cowles

Barbara Jewel Cowles, age 83 of Cardington, Ohio, passed away after her short battle with small cell lung cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Grant Medical Center. Barbara took an active role in receiving treatment for her condition. However, after her first round of chemotherapy she ultimately decided she wanted to go home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Barbara was born on September 15, 1935 to Eugene Pearl Lusch and Sarah Geneva (Friend) Lusch in Odin, Illinois. As a child she enjoyed acrobatics and twirling the baton in the front yard. Throughout High school she was a competitive roller-skate dancer and won several awards for her talent.

Barbara married Harold “Curly” Cowles on February 12, 1954, in Salem, Illinois. Barbara and Harold moved to Ohio in 1963 for the Cardington Oil Boom. Together they ran their own business, B.J. Oilfield Services (Barbara Jewel Oilfield Services) and spent 61 years of marriage together. In addition to helping with the family business she worked as an office administrator for Mel Maceyko for many years, and as the assistant treasurer for the Cardington Local School District where she retired after 15 years.

Barbara was an active member of the community where she frequently volunteered for the Cardington Public Library, and the local food pantry. She enjoyed attending and being actively involved with the Gilead Friends Church, and playing bridge with her friends. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, quilting, baking, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed quality time spent with great grandchildren Savannah Keplar; Bryce, Kadin, and Gabriel Johnson; Braddox Butler; Rosalie Beans; Liam and Isla Kauffman; Zane and Braden Manderson; Madison Sadler, Addilyn Cowles and Laila Mayers.

Barbara is survived by so many friends and family that love her, including her sister Vickie (Michael) Mayfield of Pittsburg, Illinois, and her children Steven Cowles of Avon Park, FL; Dennis (Cindy) Cowles of Cardington; Linda (Larry) Kauffman of Loudonville; Kenny (Stephanie) Cowles of Mount Gilead; and Patricia (Greg) Lund of Mt. Juliet, TN.

Furthermore, Barbara is survived by her grandchildren; Jason Cowles; Lisa Cowles; Jessica (Jason) Butler; Alicia Cowles; Scott (Mary) Kauffman, Lauren (Richard) Beans; Jared (Kirsten) Kauffman; Michael Cowles; Casey (Joshua) Somerlot; Nathan Cowles; Seth Cowles; Tina (Mark) Manderson; Angela Sadler; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Harold Cowles, infant son Harold Cowles Jr., sister Linda Kell, brothers Jimmy, Ronnie, Kenny, and Charles Lusch, and granddaughter Aubry Cowles.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm at Gilead Friends Church, 4863 US-42, Mt Gilead, OH 43338.  Calling hours will also be held Friday, December 21, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00am at the Gilead Friends Church. The funeral service will be held immediately following at 11:00am with Pastor Richard Jones officiating. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Glendale Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Cardington Community Food Pantry; 300 S Marion St, Cardington, OH 43315; or the Cardington Public Library; 128 E Main St, Cardington, OH 43315.

Those wishing to share a memory of Barbara or to express a condolence to the Cowles family may do so by visiting www.gompffh.com.