May 9, 1936 - September 26, 2024
Visitation
Saturday, October 5th from 9-10 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church
Service
Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church (Click on Video Link to view livestream)
Burial
Union Cemetery
Barbara Ann (née Considine) Kittner, age 88, of Westlake, OH, formerly of Westerville, OH, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve. She was born on May 9, 1936 in Chicago, IL, and was the daughter of the late John Francis and Emma (Betty) (née Grimstad) Considine. Barbara married Kenneth M. Kittner on September 21, 1957 and they were married for 34 years until his passing in 1991.
Following high school graduation, Barbara completed a two-year program at The Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN and attended Capital University in Bexley, OH where she met Ken. Barbara excelled in secretarial and administrative skills. She started her career in the local public schools as secretary to the Superintendent at Brown Local School System in Malvern, OH. Her career continued when her family moved to Marion, OH and she began working at Verizon Telephone Company, formerly GTE, in the early 1970s. Barbara assumed roles with increasing responsibility, finally retiring in 2002, with over 40 years of dedicated service.
Barbara was a strong and faithful Christian, actively participating in bible study groups and church choir. She had a quiet faith and everyone who knew her knew she loved the Lord Jesus. Barbara enjoyed walking and you could often find her at Innis Woods in Westerville, strolling the beautiful trails or heading on over to the Hoover Dam.
As a young family, Barb and Ken took their three young children on annual camping vacations, traveling in a converted Dodge van, with trips all over the country. The family has many fond memories of these adventurous times of hiking, canoeing, fishing, sitting around the campfire telling stories, and sight-seeing many places of interest in the U.S. Additionally, Barbara continued to camp with family in South Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan from 1984-2014.
Barbara was dedicated to her family and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She traveled regularly with her sisters to various places around the world, including Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Ireland, Costa Rica, and more. The times Barbara spent vacationing with loved ones were some of the most rewarding of her life. The memories we all share are most precious.
Barbara spent much of her time before and after retirement visiting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to attend various musical and sporting events her grandchildren participated in, from choir concerts and band events to plays and musicals, from softball games and track/cross country meets to soccer games. During the summer, they would visit her for a few days and she would pack up a picnic lunch and take them to the pool for a day of swimming. There are many fond memories of times with Grandma Kittner.
In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister- and brother-in-law Francine and Bill Koehler and brother-in-law Dom Gottardo. She is survived by sister Mary Goodenough of Camarillo, CA; sister Laurel Gottardo of Camarillo, CA; brother Daniel Considine of San Dimas, CA; sister Kathleen Considine of Camarillo, CA; daughter Karen Kittner of Roaming Shores, OH; daughter Cynthia (Warren) Reichert of Adrian, MI; son Bryan (Dana) Kittner of Coshocton, OH. Barbara is also survived by five grandchildren: Stephanie (Brian) Baker, Jennifer (Ryan) McConnell, Elizabeth (Joel) Kittner-Nunez, Seth Kittner, Sarah Kittner; and three grandchildren by marriage, Nathan Reichert, Rebekah (Eric) Lilje, and Matthew Reichert. She is further survived by great-grandchild, Christian; and three great-grandchildren by marriage, Caleb, Brynn, and Nolan.
Please join us in celebrating Barbara's life Saturday, October 5, 2024. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Road, Columbus, OH, with funeral service following, at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Bryan Kittner and Rev. Warren Reichert (retired) will officiate. After the service, interment at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Barbara's honor may be sent to Voice of the Martyrs, one of her favorite charities.
The family invites you to join us for a light luncheon at NAPA Kitchen & Bar, 7148 Muirfield Drive, Dublin, OH at 1:00 p.m. for continued fellowship to celebrate and honor Barbara Ann Kittner - wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, dear friend, co-worker, and most importantly, child of God.
We, the family of Barbara, are at peace with her passing over to the other side of life, the better side of life, now with her dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the heavenly realm.
Condolences
LEO A SMITH - Oct 19, 2024
BARBARA WAS A GREAT PERSON AND A GREAT PERSON TO WORK WITH. THE WORLD HAS LOS A GREAT FRIEND.
Donna Evans - Oct 3, 2024
I knew Barb when we worked at GTE/Verizon. We shared many conversations & much laughter during our breaks and lunch. Having lost touch over the years, your lovely tribute to her painted a picture of a life well lived. My condolences. Donna Evans
Rick Lyon - Oct 2, 2024
I worked with Barb at GTE/Verizon and she was such a nice lady. I also went to school with her kids and we would talk about the “old days” at River Valley. My condolences to her family.
Bonnie Wood - Oct 2, 2024
Oh, where do I start about my deep friendship, love and respect for Barb... I was a co-worker at GTE/Verizon, and when I was promoted, Barb came into our department filling my old secretarial position and we became fast friends. Our friendship grew over the many years we worked and "lunched" together. I was sad for myself, but joyful for her upon her retirement. Our friendship did not end there because whenever she would come back to Marion for a doctor or hair appointment we would "lunch" and pick up our conversations like no time had passed. She loved her family so much and was so proud of all of you. Rest in peace my dear friend, Love, Bonnie Wood