Barbara Jack Metcalf

Metcalf, Barbara Jack age 90, of Washington Township, OH, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. She was born on July 29, 1934, to the late Raymond and Juanita Mitchell, in Glen Rose, TX. Barb started her formal education in a one-room schoolhouse, eventually graduating from Glen Rose High School in May 1953 where she played basketball. The size of her graduating class was eighteen.

In 1954 she made what was to be a temporary move to Lake Charles, LA to stay with her sister, a new mother, while her sister’s husband, who was serving in the Air Force, was on a TDY assignment. There she met her future husband and love of her life, Richard (Dick) Metcalf. Dick was serving in the Air Force as a navigator. They meet at a social event in August of 1954. After a short courting period of 6 weeks, they were engaged and married on July 24, 1955.

Following Dick’s time in the service and once graduating from The Ohio State University they moved to New Jersey where Dick started his career in New York City. As their family grew, and Dick’s career took off, they made the decision to move from the east coast to the mid-west. They transferred to Dayton, OH where they remained for 60 years. During their 69 years of marriage, she lovingly raised three children, spoiled three grandchildren, and adored three great-grandchildren. She was a long-time member of Southminster Presbyterian Church where she participated in Meals on Wheels and helped with rummage sales. She was an avid bridge player hosting bridge parties at her home. She was a member of Sycamore Creek Country Club for 52 years where she participated in club activities and made many wonderful friends playing golf. Dick and Barb were huge Ohio State buckeye fans, being season football tickets holders from Dick’s graduation to today. They attended many football games decked out in OSU garb and attracted the attention of many photographers. After her children were raised, she began a career as a sales associate working at Hit or Miss, a lady’s apparel store. She loved meeting and talking with people and excelled in this role. We often laughed that every penny she made she turned around and purchased something from the store. One of her great loves was going to garage sales, or as she described “I’m going junking.” She was always purchasing an old, abused piece of furniture in need of restoration that she turned into a beautiful antique. But her greatest love was supporting her grandchildren’s events. She attended piano recitals, swim meets, plays, volleyball games and many more activities too numerous to mention. Her loving and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Bobbie Whitehead, R.L. Mitchell, A.L. Mitchell, Katie Garner, and Cordie Braeutigam.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Richard Metcalf; children, Rhonda Metcalf, Sandra (Bruce) Ervin, and Robert Metcalf; grandchildren, Brandon (Alexandria) Ervin, Courtney (Chris) Cook, and Andrew (Kelli) Ervin; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Claire Ervin and Benjamin Cook; siblings, Margie Patterson and Bill (Bobbie) Mitchell; and numerous extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 10-11am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, OH 45459, with a funeral service to follow at 11am. A reception will be held following the funeral service at the church. Private family burial at David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Red Cross.