Barbara H. Owen

Barbara H. Owen, age 88, formerly of Troy and more recently of South Vienna, OH, passed away on April 4, 2024 at Hospice of Dayton.  She was born on August 7, 1935 in Hicksville, OH to the late Vance and Mary Ellen (Hayburn) Hartley.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law: Kimberly and Dale Huston of South Vienna and Cindi Swackhamer of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Krissy Vanover, Ashley Yeager and Chelsy Swackhamer; great grandchildren: Evelyn Barber, Nathan Barber, Olivia Yeager and Louise Swackhamer and sister: Jane Cecil of Columbus.

Barb was a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism.  While at Ohio State, she was one of the first female editors of The Lantern campus newspaper and was a member of the Delta Z Sorority. After graduation, she worked with the Campfire Girls and Legal Women Voters. In the beginning years of Prototype Technology, INC she served as bookkeeper and then went on to earn her CPA.  She was formerly employed as a comptroller with JB Tool in Wapakoneta and Highland Machine in Dayton.  She later served as an accountant for small businesses and organizations and served as a community volunteer in assisting people develop household budgets.  She was a longtime member, Past President and Treasurer of the Altrusa International of Troy; a volunteer with Altrusa Mobile Meals and Past Treasurer for District Five of Altrusa.  She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Troy and cherished her women’s bible study.  After retirement, she enjoyed her work at Miami County Dental Clinic, Richard’s Chapel soup kitchen and Child Care Choices.  Barb had a head for business and numbers and a heart for service.

Barb loved her vacations to Emerald Isle with friends and family. Most important to Barb was her daughters and their families.  She raised her daughters and grandchildren to be independent and strong. 

At Barb’s request there will be no public service.  A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the family in the summer. The family invites you to honor her memory by donating to Altrusa International of Troy or Child Care Choices.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.