Barbara Louise Smith, age 98 of Springboro, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Enclave of Springboro. She was born December 4, 1926 in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of the late Charles and Ethel Hulsen.
Upon graduation from Moline HS in Moline Illinois, Barbara traveled to Yellow Springs, Ohio to attend Antioch College, and studied as an English major, where she was responsible for setting up the College Library in the Tower of the Main Building.
She met her husband, John, at a dance while living in the area. After their marriage, Barbara and John resided at the family farm, which is now known as Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City.
Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who was active in the Centerville community, serving on the boards of Womanline and the Centerville Concert Association.
Early in her marriage, Barbara worked as a secretary for a high ranking officer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. When her daughters were young she worked as a reservationist for TWA Airlines. She also served for a number of years as an Executive Assistant at The University of Dayton. Barbara was also an entrepreneur, opening the first record store in Centerville, and along with her best friend, Terry Georgekas, owned and operated an innovative furniture business in the historic district of Centerville. Barbara and Terri were also the organizers of the Centerville Independence Day Parade, which still takes place annually in the area.
Barbara is survived by her daughters, Diana Hisey (Tim Hisey) and Tamara Combs; grandchildren, Scott Hisey, Ryan Hisey (Sara), Brad Hisey (Anya), Aaron Sorrentino (Leanne), Tria Sorrentino, Sean Sorrentino; and great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Thomas Smith; and son-in-law, Calvin Combs.