Helen Jodie Barron

Helen Jodie Barron, born December 13, 1942, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and quiet strength that touched all who knew her.

Helen’s life journey spanned more than eight decades, during which she was known for her unwavering compassion, resilience, and the gentle warmth she extended to family, friends, and all who were fortunate to cross her path. Her integrity and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression, serving as an inspiration to her community and to those who had the privilege of calling her a friend. Helen enjoyed word searches and was an avid reader - with the Bible being her favorite book.

Helen is survived by her loving children, daughter, Shirl (David) Hafner, son, Richard Gerhard, step-son, Joel (Jill) Barron, step-son, Mark (Faith) Barron; son-in-law, Michael Gallagher; brother, Ronald (Jane) Shanor, brother, Paul (Linda) Shanor; brother-in-law, Bill Crone; grandchildren, Meghan (Charlie) Hill, Ian (Whitney) Hafner, Emily (Scott) Cho, Troy Barron, Amber (Scott) Jackson, Devon (Haley) Barron, Gabriel Barron, Jack Barron, Ben Barron, Grant Barron, Philip Barron, Ranee (Jason) Blanda, Nicholas (Shelby) Barron, Cassandra (Zach) Harman, Alexander Barron, Veronica (Jonathon) Pishcura, and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard E. Gerhard; second husband, Larry Barron; father, John D. Shanor; mother, Olive Shanor; daughter, Renee Gallagher; step-son, Paul Barron; sister, Jacquie Crone, and infant sister, Joyce Shanor.

While Helen’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her influence endures in the values she embodied—kindness, humility, and an unfailing dedication to others. Helen was a true believer in Jesus Christ and attended First Assembly of God Church in Massillon. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Friends, loved ones, and members of the community will gather to honor Helen’s memory and celebrate her remarkable life on June 25, 2026. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, located at 1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, OH 44646. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., where Helen’s enduring impact on those around her will be commemorated. Afterwards, a graveside service will take place at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens, 3655 Wales Road Northeast, Massillon, OH 44646.