Barbara J. Hermes

Barbara Jean Hermes, 87, died peacefully in the afternoon of Oct. 11, 2023 at Cottage Cove Rehab at Riverview Nursing Home.

She was born October 6, 1936 to Raymond C. And Ruth M Dixon Ahrens. She married Francis Eugene Hermes on November 26, 1959 at Immaculate Conception Church in Port Clinton.

She attended Gypsum Schools and graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1954.

Surviving are children, Kevin E. and Julie A. Fontana. grandchildren Nikolaus G. And Katherine E., all of Port Clinton. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene in 2019, Father in 1977, mother in 1995 and a brother Raymond in 1981. She is also survived by nieces and a nephew.

Barbara was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School and teacher before marriage, and later a member of the Mary Martha Circle and secretary for the Board of Trustees

Barbara was a past secretary and president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. In the 1970’s, she was Secretary for the Sandusky Kennel Club where she was twice voted Most Valuable Member.

Barbara spent most of her professional career starting in 1973 in the Ottawa County Commissioner’s Office. She began as Clerk/Typist. While there, she served as Clerk/Administrator, managed the County Boat Launch Ramp, was Fair Housing Officer, managed the County Insurance Program, served on the NW Ohio Safety Council Board of Directors working in accident and loss prevention, and in the 1970’s was the Administrator of the CETA work/training program in the county. She also served on the Board of the County Clerks Association in the State of Ohio. At her retirement in 2000, she was honored with a Resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives and Mayor Brown with a resolution from the City of Port Clinton.

In retirement, Barbara and Gene bought and sold antiques for 17 years, specializing in fine pressed glassware.

While always striving for excellence in her work, the role of wife, mom, daughter, niece and nana were her primary focus.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm at Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1124 Fulton St. Port Clinton, OH. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 pm Monday, October 16, 2023 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 135 Adams Street, Port Clinton with visitation at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Rev. Kent will of officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton, OH. Memorial contributions may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .