Barbara Ann Walters (nee Ritz), 84, of Grafton, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley in Glendale, Arizona. She was born December 2, 1932 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Barbara was a 1950 graduate of Franklin High School. Barbara was employed as a telephone operator, a waitress at B&M Diner, and a stenographer at Joy Manufacturing in Franklin. In 1953, Barbara married her husband Fred and moved to California where he was to be stationed in the Marine Corps. During that time, Barbara was employed as a secretary at Rohr Aircraft in Chula Vista, California and then as secretary to the Citizens National Bank president in Twentynine Palms, California. Barbara ultimately settled in Ohio and was a 55 year resident of Lorain County living in Elyria and Grafton. Barbara was very friendly and cheerful and always had a welcoming smile to offer. Barbara enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her family. She enjoyed baking, was an avid reader, loved sports, was a Cleveland sports' fan, and played Bridge. She attained American Contract Bridge Master status. She also enjoyed visiting her extended family and friends in many parts of the country and traveled to Europe. Barbara recently moved to Arizona where she loved being near her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her son Curtis "Curt" (Cynthia) Walters of Glendale, Arizona; grandchildren, Mark (Marie) Walters of Phoenix, Arizona, Breanna (Nathan) Tarbutton of Peoria, Arizona, and Jenna (Daniel) Sorensen of Gilbert, Arizona; great-grandchildren, Alanna and Alexander Walters, and Calvin and Adley Tarbutton; sisters Coyla (Robert) Boob of Vero Beach, Florida, Linda Adams of Boca Raton, Florida; brother William Waite of Jamestown, New York, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Frederick P. (1986) and son William C. (1971); parents William J. and Mildred L.J. (nee Walker) Ritz; sister Leah Barnicle, and brothers Joseph Ritz and Robert Ritz. Friends will be received Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 4 to 7pm at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria, 440-322-4626. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11am at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service where the family will also receive friends from 10am until the time of service. Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery in Elyria. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com

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