Barbara Ann Schulz McCracken, 83, passed away peacefully, in her sleep, in Columbus, Ohio, Friday morning, Aug. 24, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. Barbara was born March 5, 1929, in Detroit, Mich. She attended Bellevue (Pa.) High School and The University of Pittsburgh. In 1951, she married George Perry McCracken, of Bellevue. Widowed in 1966, she returned to Greensburg, where she resided until 1975, when she relocated to Gaithersburg, Md. After retiring from a 20-year career in federal service, Barbara moved to Pickerington, Ohio, where she forged new friendships, was active in community associations and groups, and traveled widely with friends and family. Barbara will be remembered as an enthusiastic bridge player, an avid reader and experienced and prolific traveler. Above all, she loved her family, her neighbors, her friends, and pursuing the wide variety of interests and experiences a full life holds. Barbara is survived by her brother, Max; her three children, Carol (Michael) Robinson, Robert (Bonnie) McCracken and Dale (Christopher) Ward; five grandchildren, Daniel Robinson, Phillip McCracken, Jacqueline Bezak, Robert Bezak and Kendall Ward; along with four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, George; and brother, Robert. A funeral service will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Road North, Pickerington, Ohio. Friends are welcome to gather before the service, between 4 and 7 p.m. A graveside service and interment will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Barbara's name to Compassion International, www.compassion.com.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review 8/29/2012