Barbara (Gerhart) Martin

Barbara Martin of St. Augustine, Florida and Harbor Springs, Michigan passed away December 28, 2021 at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey, Mi. She was born November 15, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio to Merle P. and Rose Gerhart.

A graduate of Medina High School, Barbara went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Defiance College where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. It was there that she met her husband of 53 years, Jim, who preceded her in death in 2017. 

Barbara received a Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University and spent over 40 years as a teacher and school guidance counselor in Ohio, Michigan and Florida. 

Travel was a big part of Barbara’s life and she had many memorable adventures throughout Europe, especially in her favorite city Paris. A world traveler, Barbara also enjoyed an annual food and wine trip to Sonoma County, California and trips to Montreal, Barcelona, Atlanta and Vancouver for the Olympic Games, in addition to travels to countless other destinations across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. She also enjoyed camping and snow skiing and shared many happy experiences doing both with her children and grandchildren. 
Barbara was an avid Ohio State football fan and especially enjoyed attending games and alumni game watches in various cities and traveling to bowl games to cheer on the team with her many Buckeye friends. 

Barbara loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, watching them excel in their hobbies and pursuits. Always supportive, Barbara did whatever she could to be present at their many games, performances, and events. 

A lover of art and culture, Barbara especially enjoyed visiting favorite museums such as Musée d’Orsay in Paris and The Art Institute of Chicago, and attending Broadway musicals and live music performances as varied as Andrea Bocelli and Yo-Yo Ma to oceanfront concerts in St. Augustine Beach. 

Barbara is survived by her daughter Lynne (John) Martin of Westfield, Indiana, son Jay (Hilary) Martin of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, and cherished grandchildren Taylor, Kennedy, Delaney, Brennan, Ainsley, and Dax. She will also be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, and their families, on whom she left a lasting impression.

Barbara’s generous heart and zest for adventure will be truly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A celebration of life service for Barbara will be held at Ayersville United Methodist Church in Ayersville, Ohio on Saturday, January 15, 2022, with visitation at 1:00 pm and a service at 2:00 pm.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara’s name to the Harbor Springs Library, 206 South Spring Street, Harbor Springs, Mi 49740. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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