Barbara Ellen Ross

Barbara Ellen Ross, age 62, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of those closest to her.

Barbara was born on September 7, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio. She was known for her resilience, quick wit, strong spirit, and fearless personality. She could be stubborn in the best way — the kind of stubborn that refuses to give up, refuses to lose hope, and refuses to stop fighting for the people she loved. Her humor, strength, and determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was adventurous at heart and never one to sit still. Barbara believed life was meant to be lived fully and embraced every opportunity to make memories. One of the highlights of her life was fulfilling a dream on her bucket list — an unforgettable trip to Alaska with her family. She was the kind of person who believed experiences mattered more than things and loved creating memories with the people she loved most.

Barbara loved the simple joys of life — cooking meals for the people she loved, a good cup of coffee, spending time with family and friends, being in nature, and especially being near the water. She loved hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring and had a special knack for finding them. Those moments brought her peace and happiness.

One of Barbara’s greatest joys in life was her family, especially her grandson Wyatt Anderson, whom she lovingly called her “best boy.”

Barbara is preceded in death by her mother, Deanna Verity; father, Larry Simkins; stepfather, Dean Verity; sister, Beatrice Verity; and her life partner, Timothy Musick.

Barbara is survived by her son, Tyler Strouse, and daughter, Tara Strouse (Casey Chambers); her beloved grandson, Wyatt Anderson; and bonus grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her siblings, Victoria Estell, Michael Luckenbach, Tamara Nevil, and Earl Verity; numerous nephews and her niece; as well as extended family and many dear friends whose lives she touched.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, humor, adventure, and fierce love for her family.

Barbara loved butterflies. From now on, every butterfly we see will remind us that her spirit is still near and that love never truly leaves us.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Friends may call at the NEWCOMER SOUTHWEST CHAPEL 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123 on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 12:00pm until time of memorial service at 2:00pm.

Barbara taught us to live fully, love fiercely, and never give up. Every butterfly we see will remind us that her spirit is still close by.