Barbara Rose Wheatley Sweeney, 89, of Steubenville, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Valley Hospice.

Born April 19, 1936 in Steubenville, Ohio, Barbara was the only child of Ida Wilhelm and Leonard Wheatley both of whom are deceased.

Barbara attended Steubenville Public Schools, graduating from Steubenville High School in 1954. While in high school she was a member of the a Capella choir, serving as the accompanist for three years. She was the Salutatorian of the class of 1954.

After her high school graduation Barbara attended Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, graduating in 1958. She received a Bachelor of Music Degree, majoring in Music Education. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega social sorority and Mu Phi Epsilon, music honorary sorority. She was also a four-year member of the a Capella choir.

On June 21, 1958, Barbara and William DeFord Sweeney were married in the First United Presbyterian Church in Steubenville. They lived their entire life in that community.

Barbara taught elementary and junior high music in the Brilliant Local School District, and later taught part-time in the Mingo Jct. School system where, in addition to elementary music, she directed the high school girls’ choir.

Retiring from teaching after the birth of her son, Mark, in 1961, she became active in the community. She was a member of the Steubenville Junior Woman’s Club, and later the Woman’s Club of Steubenville, where she was honored as a life member in 2015. She also served the Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs as a District Junior Director and State Chairman of International Affairs. She was a member of the Women’s Advisory Board of the Ohio Valley Hospital, and was a founding member of the Holly Twig of the hospital.

Barbara was a life-long member and ordained elder of the First United Presbyterian Church of Steubenville, which became First Westminster. She served the church as choir director and later organist for thirty-two years. She was a president of the church’s Women’s Association and a member of the Helen Martin Circle. She was a member for several years of the Boards of Directors of the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian Lay Committee. Her other affiliations included the Laura E. McGowan Circle of the Kings Daughters and Sons, where she was a past president, and the Labelle Chapter #414 Order of Eastern Star.

Barbara and Bill owned and operated Jefferson County Burial Vault Co., Inc. for thirty-eight years. After the sale of the company in 1996 the purchased a home in Haines City, FL, where they spent the winter months until 2020. They both continued an active lifestyle, becoming active in their Homeowners’ Association and continuing their love of golf.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bill, a son, Atty. Mark L Sweeney and granddaughter Angel Sweeney of Akron, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Donald Sweeney of Carrollton, a niece Jennifer (John) Householder, and a nephew, Scott (Elizabeth) Sweeney.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 12 noon with Rev. Jason Elliott officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Westminster Church.