Barbara Jackson Coates

     Barbara Jackson Coates, 92, of Chillicothe, passed at 11:04 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her residence following a short illness.

     She was born July 3, 1932, in Middletown, Ohio to the late John H. and Sadie L. Peters Jackson.  On July 3, 1954, she married C. Duane “Whitey” Coates who survives.

     Also surviving are daughters, Linda Lou (David) Kight, of Chillicothe, Becky Lou (Gregory) McKeever, of Chillicothe, and Laurie Lou (Mark) Helke, of Vandalia; a son, Terry Duane (Tammy) Coates, of Dublin; grandchildren, Sean  (Stefanie) McKeever, Steven Duane McKeever, Shane Alan McKeever, Nikki Lynn Franz, Kristi Lynn Franz, Julia Lynn Helke, Rebecca Lynn Helke, Nathan Paul Smith (Hannah) Kiefer, Adam John Kiefer, Jackson Duane Coates, Alex Wey, and Emily Wey (Mark) Bugada; great grandchildren, Jacob (Jack) Kiefer, Calvin Kiefer, Abagail McKeever, and Addison Cole; and a brother, John Jackson, of Chillicothe.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Bonnie Lou (Dale) Kiefer. 

     Barbara worked as a secretary at the former Mead Corporation where she met her loving husband, Whitey.  After having children Barbara continued to work as a substitute secretary for Trinity United Methodist Church and as secretarial support for Cargill, Incorporated.

    Barbara was an avid gardener as a Master Gardener since June 1999 and a founding member of the Rolling Hills Garden Club also having held several offices including President.  The garden club worked to beautify the gardens in and around the city of Chillicothe and Yoctangee Park.  In her own yard, Barbara had over 100 species of plants at one time. She and Whitey were very active volunteers at the Adena Mansion Gardens.  Together they volunteered thousands of hours reestablishing the gardens to their historic significance.

     In addition to gardening, Barbara enjoyed playing bridge in several clubs, traveling with her husband, square dancing, and camping with her family.

     A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Dennis Ray officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Thursday.

     In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to National Church Residences’ Hospice Program 681 E. 3rd Street Waverly, Ohio 45690.

     You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com   

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