Barbara Jean Klawonn

Barbara Jean Klawonn, age 91, of Xenia, passed away at home on October 5, 2024. Barbara was born in Dayton, Ohio on January 30, 1933 to the late William and Elizabeth Fuerst.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; son, Joseph Klawonn; grandson, David Klawonn; as well as her sisters, Katherine Garvic, Margurite Bedell and Evelyn Risko.

She is survived by husband of 71 years, Robert Lee "Bob" Klawonn; children, Michael Reinhold (Rosemary) Klawonn; Maribeth (Michael P.) Gregory, Judy Lee (Roger) Bailey, James "Jim" Robert (Mary Beth) Klawonn and Marilyn Jean (Craig) Short; grandchildren, Rebecca, Kurtis, Nicholas, James, Rachel, William, Tina, Matthew, Crystal, Derrick, Kelsey, Robert, Ryan, Andrew and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Shelby, Delaney, Aniston, Ava, Knox, Aaron, Russell, Robin, James Jr., Dana, Aden, Ryan, Landen, Braden and June. 

Barbara helped run the family printing business with her husband, Bob and son, Mike. She was eager to learn new technology and became proficient with a new thing called a Personal Computer. She enjoyed the creative aspect of graphic design work and was enthusiastic about putting personal touches on the work that she did. She did all of the clerical work, as well as the bookkeeping and taxes-she hated doing the taxes. Barbara was a member of the “Here and There” Garden Club for many years. She was a lifetime gardener who developed this interest through her “daddy” and she passed this love to some of her children through many stories told while tending the plants, many of which are descendants from her daddy’s garden. In addition to gardening, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, being outdoors and riding the golf cart on the trails in the woods. She and Bob loved boating together with the family and was always game for adventures like riding motorcycles and anything else her husband liked to do. Barbara loved flowers, the color purple, and dogs; particularly her Dalmatians. Barbara found beauty in simple things such as her flourish for cursive handwriting. 

She was patient with an always pleasant demeanor and a natural, easy elegance. Barbara gracefully raised six loving children and to this day, kept them close. She was generous, spending many years taking care of others, young and old. Barbara made her home the center of all the family gatherings. The love and devotion she and Bob shared will aways be an inspiration to their children.

Barbara battled Alzheimer's for many long years. The entire family is grateful to Maribeth and Mike for their time and sacrifice graciously providing loving and devoted care in the most recent years. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek), where funeral services will begin at 11:00am.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Beaver Cemetery. 

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