Mildred B. Barnett, 85, Former Teacher of the Year

She was born April 6, 1919 near North Baltimore, Ohio (Wood County) the only child of Grover C. and Modena (August) Foltz.

Mrs. Barnett was the 1937 valedictorian of North Baltimore High School and received the Wood County Teachers' Scholarship. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1940 with a B.S. in Education and taught Jr. High English and Jr./Sr. Home Economics in Bloomdale, Ohio from 1940-43.

From 1943-47, she was employed by the Ohio State University as a Home Extension Agent, first in Washington County (Marietta, Ohio) where she met her husband, Willis and later in Franklin County (Columbus, Ohio). Her final assignment with OSU was as Administrative Assistant to the State Home Demonstration Leader.

Mildred and Willis were married on September 23, 1944. In late 1947, she and her husband moved to Lakewood, Ohio. She was employed by the Cleveland Public Library at Wilbur Wright Jr. High as a library assistant during the day and taught adult classes in home economics during the evening at both Jane Addains Vocational School and Join Marshall High School.

She became a full-time homemaker in Westlake, Ohio with the arrival of children, Sharon and Robert. The family moved to Avon, Ohio in June 1955.

Her employment with the Avon Schools began in the 1960's initially as an eighth grade English teacher. She organized elementary libraries in the parochial and public schools well as the Avon United Methodist Church. In 1967, she received a Masters Degree in library Science from Kent State University and served as the school librarian for Avon East, Avon Elementary and Jr. High School until her retirement on July 1, 1989. During her years of teaching, she was recognized as a Jennings Scholar (1972-73) and selected Avon Teacher of the Year (1985-86). The 116th House of Representatives awarded her a commendation for this honor. Upon her retirement, she received a commendation from the House of Representatives 118th General Assembly recognizing her loyal and outstanding service as a librarian for Avon Schools. In 1991, the Avon Board of Education issued a commendation to Mildred Barnefi in appreciation for her dedicated service, effort, and time to the Avon Schools. Mildred was a lifetime member of OEA and NEA.

Her many activities included active PTA member, charter member of the Avon Friends of the Library and Historical Society; Avon Methodist Church member and preschool teacher; Rebecca Women's Circle organizer. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and research of all kinds but especially that related to Avon's old homes, schools, churches, and businesses. She was very fond of cats, especially Sam, who was her constant companion for the past six years.

Survivors include her daughter: Sharon of Lindsey, Ohio; son: Robert (Genie) of Park City, Utah; and two grandchildren, Rachel and Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her husband Willis S. in 1970 and by her parents.

Friends may call Tuesday, September 21st, from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, September 22nd from 10-11 a.m. at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd., in Avon. Services will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 22nd, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. David Oliver, pastor of Avon United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be private at Bethel (Ten Mile) Cemetery, North Baltimore, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Avon School Endowment Fund or the Avon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

For more information, to view an on-line memorial or to send a condolence, go to www.buschfuneral.com.