Barbara Jean Wittkugle

STRUTHERS — Barbara Jean Wittkugle, 94, died peacefully, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her home.

She was born Oct. 5, 1930, a daughter of Meally Rich and the former Madeline Naples.A graduate of The Rayen High School, Barbara dedicated much of her time to her community. This was evident in her volunteer work at St. Elizabeth Hospital and North Side Hospital, where she served as a receptionist. She was also deeply involved with the Special Olympics.

Her passion for music and community engagement led her to contribute to the Struthers High School Band. A lover of bowling, she played in various leagues. Barbara found great joy in gardening. Her summers often included working at a family market and she enjoyed volunteering at the circus at the Struthers Fieldhouse.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Robert (Lorrie Dial) Wittkugle of Struthers and Andrew “Joey” Wittkugle of Struthers; a daughter, Janet (Jim) Koolstra; sister, Joann Laurie of Cleveland; grandchildren, Tracy (Tom) Beule, Melissa Garrett, Rob (Colleen) Hartsock, Stephanie, Stephen (Lauren) Wittkugle and Kayla Wittkugle; great-grandchildren, Robert Garrett, Raelynn Verrico, Justin Garrett, Logan Hartsock, Tyler Hartsock, Oliver Wittkugle, and Jake Beule; and two great-great-grandchildren, Levi Garrett and Camille Lee Verrico.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wittkugle, on Nov. 5, 1990; son, Donald “Butch” Paul Jr.; her brother, Frank Rich; and great-granddaughter, Miranda Jean Beule on Jan. 31, 2001.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.

A funeral service will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Lake Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel.