Barbara Hepplewhite 1944-2020

She was born Dec. 25, 1944, in Cleveland, a daughter of John L. and Esther Stanley Hepplewhite.

Barb was a 1963 graduate of Canfield High School. She then graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in social work; she also received her master’s degree in counseling from Youngstown State University. Early in her career, she worked for the Social Security Administration. After leaving the workforce to raise her family, she returned as a social worker for Mahoning County Children Services until retiring early from disabilities from multiple sclerosis.

She leaves her two daughters, Stephanie Leib of Akron and Jacqueline Martin of North Lima; her son, Christopher (Deon) Vrabel of Canfield; her sisters, Patricia Tabbara (Penny Porter) of Akron and Gloria (Robert) Gagich of Kent; and five grandchildren, Justin Martin of Detroit, Paige Martin of North Lima, Olivia Leib of Akron, and Jenna and Jamie Vrabel of Canfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

There will be no memorial service due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The family plans to gather to celebrate her life once it is safe to congregate again.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Ohio Cremation and Memorial Society / Bowser Funeral Services in Niles.

(special notice)