Barbara Lou Karcher

Barbara Lou Karcher (nee Vance ), 87, of Vermilion, died peacefully with her family at her side Wednesday, June 4, 2014 after a lengthy illness at Kingston Residence of Vermilion. Barbara was born August 30, 1926 in Greenville, OH. She had been a Vermilion resident since 1962 moving from Boardman, Ohio. . She attended Ohio State University where she met Art. She married Arthur Karcher Nov. 27, 1947 on the anniversary of both sets of parents. They were married 55 years. She worked as secretary for the superintendent of schools in Vermilion. Before she was married, she danced professionally in the Columbus area. She choreographed a number of the Vermilion High School musicals. She was a member of United Church of Christ Congregational, Vermilion, the Vermilion Boat Club and the Eight Ball Dance Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, sailing and traveling with friends. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Marilyn (Ralph) Mayer of Huron, Alice Nadine (Denny) Reed of Lisle, IL and Heidi Sue (Bob) Clark of Shelbyville, KY; grandchildren, Amy Mayer Gritton, Jill Mayer Sheaffer, Kevin Mayer, Jeff Mayer, Richard Reed, Jenny Reed, Julia Reed, Brett Clark and Jake Clark; great grandchildren, Nick, Harrison, Patrick, Allie, and Connor; and a sister, Alice (Dan) Lane of Upper Arlington, OH. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Karcher, July 29, 2003; parents, Herbert and Helen (nee Kester) Vance and a brother, Dick Vance. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Reverend Bob Richardson will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to New Life Hospice of St. Joseph, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053 or the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, P.O. Box 228, Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.