Barbara Louise Smith

Barbara Louise Smith, age 98 of Springboro, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Enclave of Springboro. She was born December 4, 1926 in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of the late Charles and Ethel Hulsen.

Upon graduation from Moline HS in Moline Illinois, Barbara traveled to Yellow Springs, Ohio to attend Antioch College, and studied as an English major, where she was responsible for setting up the College Library in the Tower of the Main Building.

She met her husband, John, at a dance while living in the area. After their marriage, Barbara and John resided at the family farm, which is now known as Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City.

Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who was active in the Centerville community, serving on the boards of Womanline and the Centerville Concert Association .

Early in her marriage, Barbara worked as a secretarary for a high ranking officer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. When her daughters were young she worked as a reservationist for TWA Airlines, which afforded the family the opportunity to travel and create many life long memories. She also served for a number of years as an Executive Assistant at The University of Dayton for Brother Mann and Father Komescher. Barbara was also an entrepreneur, opening the first record store in Centerville, and along with her best friend, Terry Georgekas, owned and operated an innovative furniture business which was located in the historic district of Centerville. As the business grew, Barbara and Terry, along with their husbands, designed and built the Independance Square retail complex. Barbara and Terri were also the organizers of the Centerville Independance Day Parade, which still takes place annually in the area.

Barbara was an avid tennis player, and she and her husband John, hosted friends alike at the tennis court they built on their property.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Diana Hisey (Tim Hisey) and Tamara Combs; grandchildren, Scott Hisey, Ryan Hisey (Sara), Brad Hisey (Anya), Aaron Sorrentino (Leanne), Tria Sorrentino, Sean Sorrentino; and great grandchildren, Leo & Lucia Hisey, Violet, Emma, & Noah Hisey, Grace, Angelina, Gianna Sorrentino, and Julian Keene.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Thomas Smith; and son-in-law, Calvin Combs.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45459). Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm.

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