Jean Van Aken Barren ,89, died Saturday June 16, 2007 at Wyngate Inn, Weirton, WV. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio July 2, 1917 the daughter of the late William J. and Florence Swallow Van Aken. She was educated in the Shaker Heights Schools, attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Mrs. Barren moved to Steubenville in 1948. She became involved with the Republican Party serving as Vice Chairman from 1964-1972 and became Party Chairman from 1973 -1988. In addition to her service with the Republican Party, she served on numerous local, state and national organizations. She was a member of the Jefferson County Board of Elections from 1968-1988; President of the Republican Women’s 100 Club 1991-1992; the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Association of Election Officials 1972- 1986 and president in 1977; Chairman of Ohioans for the Preservation of Honest Elections in 1977; the Board of Advisors at the former College of Steubenville 1969-1974; the Steubenville Metropolitan Planning and Redevelopment Commission 1964-1970; the Salvation Army Board of Directors 1962-1970; the American Heart Association from 1962-1970; the State and Local Government Commission from 1974-1978; Ohio Humanities Council 1979-1985; the Neighborhood House Board of Directors and the Ohio Rivers Commission 1988-1996. She was the first female elected to the Board of Elders at First Westminster Presbyterian Church. She also served as a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout den mother and PTO member. Se was a member of First Westminster Presbyterian Church, Poplar Twig, Query Club and Steubenville Country Club. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry A. Barren, Jr. on October 20, 1970; one brother and four sisters. Surviving are three sons Henry A. “Pete” (Mary) Barren, III of Steubenville, OH, William J. (Grayce) Barren of Beaverton, OR and Scott Barren of Chagrin Falls, OH; daughter Martha (Robert) Besuden of Commerce Township, MI; ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home in Wintersville Wednesday 6-8 p.m. where services will be held Thursday 10 a.m. with Rev. Robert Shearer officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Steubenville City Schools Foundation.
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09/03/2024
Karen Sue Routzon Taylor
I did not get to attend calling hours but wanted to tell tou what a true lady that your mother was. She helped fuel my political ambitions when I was a teen. She and Marge Harris helped my dad start the Richmond Republican club in the 60's. She was a great mentor for young women.
09/03/2024
The Walter Family
Dear Ones, How lovingly we remember Jean from Westminster. She was such a wonderful person. May God bless you and hold you. In His love, Lucy, Mary Lu, Doug and Becki Walter
09/03/2024
Sandy & Claryne Berman
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May Jean rest in peace. Claryne & Sandy
09/03/2024
Dave Bell
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Dave
09/03/2024
Barbara Byrum
I just got the news. I am so sorry for your loss. I have such great memories growing up in the Mannor. Street dances. Christmas Parties. Political Stuff. Didn't we have a such a great time? And, all the Moms and Dads were so special. I've kept up with where Jean was and how she was doing. I am sorry to get this news. I hope you all are well. With love, Barby Byrum
09/03/2024
Bobbi Lee (Maddux) Wickersham
Pete; Sorry to see your Mother's passing. She was a true Lady! My thoughts are with you and your family.
09/03/2024
Bruce Sinclair
I will never forget the good times that our families spent together at Gradma Barren's house. Memories of her unique combination of warmth and strength of character will stay with me and many others forever.
09/03/2024
Todd Kelley&Family
Mr.& Mrs. Barren, our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
09/03/2024
John Matysiak
Condolences to the Barren family on the loss of your mother. Reading the obituary, she live an impressive and full life.
09/03/2024
Sippy & Milt Hayman
To the family of Jean Barren: We just read the obituary this a.m. and were unable to pay a visitation call. We are so sorry about Jean's passing. She was a wonderful lady and we were very fond of her. In the last couple of years we saw her frequently at Wyngate with Dick and they were both so happy together. She made Dick so happy in that time. He kept saying he wanted to marry her. I don't think he knows she is gone and he will be devastated. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss because we know how much she was loved. Sippy & Milt Hayman
09/03/2024
Pamela Barren Talley
I always remember Aunt Jean and her Christmas cards with birds on them. Love and prayers to her family (my cousins) Pam Talley
09/03/2024
J. Michael Hollowood
Pete and Bill, Your mother was indeed a wonderful woman. Her passing touches my heart. Viewing her picture brings back many memories of our youth. She was as stated in the paper always there. Lots of the parents of today could learn from your mother. You have my heart felt condolence. May God Bless and keep you all. Mike
09/03/2024
Hank Barren and Family
We love our Grams (G.G.). Her spirit has touched our souls and will remain in our hearts forever. David (Hank), Jennifer, Amber and Heather Barren. Portland, Oregon
09/03/2024
Jack & Ethel Bonar
Dear Pete, Bill, Scott, & Martha, Our sympathies and heart-felt good wishes to you and the rest of your family. Your mom was an extra-ordinary person and her loss will be felt through many interconnected spheres of influence. Always remember to speak of her, often. Jack & Ethel
09/03/2024
Jack & Ethel Bonar
Dear Pete, Bill, Scott, & Martha, Our sympathies and heart-felt good wishes to you and the rest of your family. Your mom was an extra-ordinary person and her loss will be felt through many interconnected spheres of influence. Always remember to speak of her, often. Jack & Ethel
09/03/2024
Burke & Judy Sullivan
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mrs. Barren. She was a lovely lady. We will keep the family in our prayers.
09/03/2024
Dan Feeney
Scott & Pete, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. What a grand lady. I have many sports memories attached to your family and naturally she was always your biggest fan! I know you will miss her and I'll have good thoughts and prayers for you all at this time. sincerely, Dan Feeney
09/03/2024
Dr.Dan Keenan
09/03/2024
Dave Fonow
Mr. Barren, I am sorry for your loss and will keep your mother and your family in my prayers. Dave Fonow
09/03/2024
Robert Barren
We are extremly sorry for your loss. I hope this expresses the emotion of the moment: The morning sun brightens an awakening world Its spreading wings the planet, driving away the night Nurture, it warms the soil bringing forth its crop Nurture, it goes within us as told The sun heads to zenith We grow, we separate, blown by sun driven wind Here� or �there, our passage harks to the roots whence we came Bursting the horizon, the sun sets Gloriously illuminating our lives Finally to lay in a long deep sleep Forever in our memory Bobby Barren
Honor the life of Jean Van Aken Barren
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