Barbara Ann Kelly

Barbara Ann Kelly, 92, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025 with her daughters by her side. She was born on July 24, 1932 to the late Alfred and Esther (Allen) Bernel.

Barbara was a 1950 graduate of Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio. She was an executive secretary at Firestone Research, and later focused on raising her family. Barbara spent many years in Bluefield, Virginia before moving back to the Massillon area. Barbara was the Worthy High Priestess of The Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. She had a great love for animals, and had many pets over the years. Barbara felt comfort in her faith and beliefs in God. She enjoyed hosting meals and family get-togethers with the people she loved. Barbara felt great pride in her family, she never missed a school or sporting event for her grandchildren. She enjoyed needlepoint and cross stitching and she loved to make hand pieced quilts for friends and family.

In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her twin brother, Alfred E. Bernel Jr.; son-in-law, Keith Allen Horn; and Frank J. Hafner, who Barbara deeply cherished.

She is survived by her children, Milena Horn and Deborah (Timothy) Young; grandchildren, Jenna Young, Joseph Young, Paige (Bo) Horn Grunder , and Tyler (Schyler Maxheimer) Horn; great-grandchildren, Elliana Grace James Grunder and Rome Matthew Allen Grunder; and many dear friends.

Barbara had a very giving heart, and donated regularly for many years to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food Bank in West Virginia (1003 Wyoming St. Bluefield, WV 24701). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank in Barbara's memory. To donate, please contact Ron Ciccolini at 304-320-0268 or at rcicolini@comcast.net.

A private Celebration of Life was already held.

To share a memory of Barbara or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.