Barbara Ann Kinninger of Sidney was called home to Heaven at 9:22 a.m. on Friday June 2, 2023 surrounded by family at her residence.
She was born May 20, 1947, in Bellefontaine, Ohio to the late Herman E and Ruth Smith.
She is reunited with her husband Gary Lee Kinninger, who preceded her in death on July 3, 2022. Together they raised three children which all survive, Molly M. Wendel (Jody) of Celina, Carrie L. Kinninger-Stott of New Carlisle, and Jay E. Kinninger (Tracy Douglas) of Sidney. Barb and Gary have nine grandchildren: Madison, Tanner, and Braxton Wendel of Celina; William and Claire Stott of New Carlisle; Alexis, Isabella, Jace, and Jaydon Kinninger of Sidney Ohio.
Barb is survived by her brother Robert (Ann) Smith and sister-in-law Peggy Smith, both of Logan County. Brother-in-laws Dan (Joyce) Kinninger of Findlay and John Kinninger of Sidney, three sisters-in-laws Carol (Guy) Bowser, Pam (Russ) Stewart, and Darlene (Matt) Clayton, all of Sidney. Barbara is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews which she thoroughly enjoyed. Your visit wasn’t complete if you didn’t get a hug from Aunt Barb!
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings and spouses: Franklin (Patricia) Smith, Nevin Smith of Logan County, Eugene (Carol) Smith of Hamilton County, Joe (Naomi) Smith of Virginia, and Sarah Mae (Robert) Miller of Huntsville.
The following family members on the Kinninger side preceded Barb in death: sister-in-law Kay (Kinninger) Pope and her husband David, brother-in-law Thomas Kinninger and his wife Karen, all of Sidney and brother-in-law David Kinninger of Troy.
Barbara was a 1965 graduate of Indian Lake High school. She was a school secretary for 33 years before she retired, 13 of those years were for the Superintendent of Logan County Schools and the remaining 23 years at Sidney City Schools. She created a lot of lasting friendships through Sidney City Schools and fondly recalled her years working there.
Barb and Gary owned and operated Kinninger’s Goose Farm. It came as a surprise to no one that Barb married a farmer. She was raised on a beautiful Angus and sheep farm in Logan County, where she was the youngest of seven. She helped her brother’s raise, breed, and show their herds. In the 1960’s Barb won many Grand and Reserve Champion honors at the Logan and the Ohio State Fair. She was part of the Ohio 4H Livestock Judging Team and often placed 1st. Barb took great pride in being a farmer from Logan County, and remained active in the agriculture community. She and Gary were head advisors for the HareRaisers 4H club for over 12 years. She passed on her love for 4H as all 3 of her children participated in 4H. Barb, Gary and their children initiated the first sales of poultry at the Shelby County Fair.
A talented pianist and soloist for Munchinippi Church, outside of Indian Lake, Barbara found her love of the arts at a young age. She excelled in Tolle Painting. Barbara was well known for sharing her love of crafting with others in various forms and was always willing to lend a hand making crafts for events. Her passion for creating beauty was found outside, as well. Growing and tending to her flowers brought Barb much joy. She was a Shelby County Master Gardner for 4 years.
Barb was often on the go. She enjoyed attending craft shows and perusing antique stores. She loved going to Amish Country with Sarah Mae, Peggy and her niece Marsha to shop, shop and shop some more! Barb loved going to festivals, zoos, specialty shops and countless flea markets with her daughters. Barb rarely told her kids no to an opportunity, activity, or trip that would allow them to learn and experience life when they were younger. She was very proud of all three of her children and, in turn, their children. She was their biggest supporter and kept up with all of their lives.
Barb was always there for her family and friends, in spirit if not in person. She offered a phone conversation, a warm embrace, a shoulder to cry on or a quick witted comment to help others feel better. Even on her bad days and in her final hours, she remained soft spoken and gentle to everyone she encountered. Whether it be someone from Sidney schools, the great Shelby County Fair, Walmart, any local garden center or the numerous nursing centers she stayed at, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from someone that can share a fun and silly story about our Barbie! Those stories are rarely told without mention of her “never give up” attitude and tremendous strength. Barb was truly a great friend, devoted mother, and kind soul that will be missed by many.
The Kinninger family would like to deeply thank Barbara’s caregivers and family who dedicated their time and love the last few years, especially Jenni, Angel, Crystal, Amy and Kia. The family would also like to thank Promedica Hospice for their endless support this past year.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Fr. Steve Mondiek. Interment will follow at Cedar Point Cemetery. Family and friends may call Wednesday, June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Thursday, June 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Salm-McGill & Tangeman Funeral Home in Sidney.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.salm-mcgillandtangemanfh.com. Memorials may be made to Promedica Hospice. Salm-McGill and Tangeman Funeral Home is honored to be taking care of the Kinninger family.