Barbara Jean Huffman

Barbara Jean Gartland Huffman entered into eternal rest on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023 surrounded by those who loved her.

Barbara was born on September 27, 1942 to William Lincoln Gartland and Mary Frances Belli Gartland. She grew up with her family on the East side of Youngstown where she spent a great deal of time with her beloved Oma speaking German. Her family moved to Lake Milton, Ohio where her father constructed their home by hand.

Barbara graduated from Jackson Milton-High School in 1960 where she was an active member of the marching band. She then attended St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and received her cap in 1962 and became a registered nurse in 1970. In August 1972, Barbara suffered a severe brain trauma when her car was struck by a semi truck. In a coma for 4 months, doctors disparaged any real hope of recovery. No one understood her grit and tenacity as well as fundamental stubbornness. Instead of going into a nursing facility, she returned home to care for family and eventually completed a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Youngstown State in 1974 and completed a school nurse certificate from Akron University. She devoted much time to visiting victims of SBT to encourage by example.

Barbara retired from her career as a staff nurse at Youngstown Hospital Association where she worked from 1970 to 2006. Barbara even ran a campaign to be a trustee in Austintown. After retirement, she and her husband, Jim made many memories traveling in their RV.

Barbara is survived by her husband James L. Huffman, whom she married in August 1961 and who served as her caretaker in the last two years of her life. Left to mourn are her daughter, Lisa Huffman Baker (Kirk) and son James R. Huffman (Ginnie), grandchildren Chad Baker (Shannon), Sean Baker (Anna), Abigail Whitehead (Brent), Jillian Baker, Steven Huffman and Scott Huffman. Jillian Baker followed in her grandmother’s footsteps to become a registered nurse. Barbara was lucky to have seen the birth of 4 great grandchildren, Declan and Bexley Baker, Bear Baker and Lakelyn Whitehead. She is also survived by brother William J. Gartland (Sandy Doolittle), sisters Mary Beth Shobel (David Kohler) and Lenore Smith (David) as well as 6 nephews and one niece. Many cousins will feel the emptiness of her absence as well.

One of the highlights of Barbara’s life was her trip to Europe with her mother when she visited the ancestral village in Backa Palanka, Serbia. Barbara was also a lifelong member of the Youngstown Saxon Club and an active member of the Ohio Nurse’s Association.

According to Barbara’s wishes, her body was donated to science in keeping with her life-long dedication to the medical field.

Special gratitude is expressed by the family to her caregivers from Crossroad’s Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to them in Barbara’s name. They can be sent to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Uniontown, OH 44685

A celebration of life and Catholic Mass will be offered at St. Michael’s Church in Canfield on March 25 at 10:00 a.m.

“And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:43