Barbara Morey 1933-2025

Born Barbara Linn Estep on Dec. 9, 1933, to Walter Blair Estep and Hazel Rene Henderson in Youngstown, Barbara was the eldest of four children. She grew up on Maple Drive in Woodworth, graduated in 1951 from Boardman High School and continued her education at Penn State University, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She studied biology and English, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955.

Barbara established a career as a full time and substitute teacher and tutor that spanned four decades in several school districts, including Western Reserve and South Range.

In 1958, Barbara married John W. Morey, and after a short stint living in Puerto Rico, resided for nearly 60 years on New Buffalo Road in Beaver Township, where they raised five children.

Barbara was an active volunteer with the South Range PTO and the athletic boosters, and Mahoning County 4-H. A voracious reader, she was also a longtime member of the Searchlight book club and a dedicated volunteer with the North Lima Friends of the Library.

Barbara was passionate about history and genealogy, and she led numerous research initiatives in support of the Beaver Township Historical Society. She played an integral role in the organization of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration in Beaver Township in 1976 and the development of the township historical society’s history museum located in North Lima.

Barbara was extremely proud of her memberships in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and First Families of Ohio.

Barbara was deeply devoted to her large, extended family and always filled her proverbial cup with time spent with them during holidays and vacations that included camping at state and national parks, and enjoying the beaches of Lake Erie, Martha’s Vineyard, Lake Champlain and the Outer Banks.

In addition to John, her husband of 66 years, Barbara leaves behind her five children, James L. of Corry, Pa., Matthew (Candice) of Overland Park, Kansas, William (Kimberly) of Phoenix, Arizona, Megan (Nathaniel Budington) of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and Margaret (Peter Reuner) of Marblehead, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Kelsey Tarpinian (Jeff), Taylor Dunn (Kelsey), Demitra Brown (Jesse Faley), Jake Morey, Brendan Morey, Will Budington and Ella Budington; and three great-grandchildren, Hallie, Jackson and Samuel Tarpinian.

Barbara also leaves behind a brother, Walter Estep; sisters-in-law, Judy Lorant and Elizabeth Estep; and brothers-in-law, Joseph Esposito and Jerry Morey (Bea).

She was preceded in death by her sister, Marta Esposito; her brother, Jon Estep; and her sister-in-law, June Morey.

A memorial service and celebration of life for friends and family will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Mount Olivet United Church of Christ, North Lima, with calling hours 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley in support of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center.

To add to the book of memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

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