Barbara Jean Dawson

Barbara Jean (Pettay) Dawson, 85, of Kimbolton, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday (March 14, 2016) after a valiant battle with cancer. She is survived by her beloved husband of sixty-seven years, Wesley Wallace Dawson; and four children: Jeffrey (Susan) Dawson of Kimbolton, James (Michele) Dawson of Anchorage AK, Cheryl Newsome of Willow AK, and Linda (Dean) McGillivray of Piqua. Her daughter, Beth (Dawson) Rose, daughter-in-law, Angela Dawson, and her only sister, Marjorie (Pettay) Millet, precede her in death. Barbara was born May 23, 1930 in Troy OH, daughter of the late Fred and Freda (Weekley) Pettay. Barbara and Wesley married in Troy in 1949 - the beginning of a grand adventure. Besides raising five children, the couple traveled to Alaska seven times and spent school breaks fishing at Turkey Lake near Geraldton, Ontario, the fishing spot loved by Barb's parents before her. Barbara and Wesley owned a motel in Charlotte Harbor FL for several years. Later, they owned a marina and marine construction company. Barbara loved her family, including her grandchildren - Paul, Melissa, Carey, Cheree, Jason, Jackie, Mitchell, and Jessica - and her nineteen great-grandchildren. She faithfully served at Irish Ridge United Methodist Church. Barbara was constantly busy with gardening, sewing, kids' activities, and homemaking. In addition to being an avid Ohio State fan, Barbara's greatest joy was being the navigator as she and Wesley traversed the U.S. and Canada with their truck and Airstream. Barbara will be sorely missed by her family and church friends. At Barbara's request, there will be no viewing or public service. A "Barbara" tree will be dedicated to her memory at a time of choosing by her family. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice of Guernsey Inc. (PO Box 1165, Cambridge OH 43725), an organization that was especially helpful to the family through this episode.