Barbara DeWine Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother and beloved wife, Barbara Kivett DeWine, who left us on October 23rd, 2023. She was a light in our lives, a source of immense laughter and love, and her memory will forever live on in our hearts.
Barbara was born on November 7th, 1955 to her loving parents, Pat and Gerry Kivett in Knoxville. She was a graduate of Holston High School in 1973 and continued her education at the University of Tennessee, where she became a life long Volunteer fan.
She was proud to be amongst the top sales people at Phillips Magnavox for over 30 years of her career. She also worked for the State of Tennessee, contributing her talents to her community and the state she held dear. Her work was more than a job; work was the place she made a number of dear friends, who she remained close with through the end.
Barbara was a sustaining member of Akima, a community she cherished deeply. She took immense pleasure in attending Akima events at Ijams Nature Center, Kidfest, and the Ronald McDonald House, where she connected with friends who shared her passion for helping others.
She is survived by her husband, Mike DeWine and her 2 daughters and their husbands, Kristin and Josh Langdon; Abby and Jordan Stridde. Most importantly, the 2 people she loved most in this world, her grandchildren Reagan Stridde and James Stridde, who she loved spoiling endlessly. She is also survived by her 3 sisters, Gail (Mike) Billingsley, Nancy (Greg) Fansler, and Teresa (Scott) Boyer and her in-laws and out-laws, as she called them affectionately, Kathleen (Bert) Benedict, Linda (Jim) Martin, Mary Nell DeWine, Margaret (Robert) Duncan, Elizabeth (Bill) Gann, Josie (Randy) Graham. Her love of her family extended to her 33 nieces and nephews: Brad Fansler (Glenna), Stephanie Billingsley Butler, Matt Boyer, Patrick Billingsley (Colin), Spencer Boyer (Beth), Jennifer Jeffers (Justin), Clint Boyer (Amber), Nikki Buckner (David), Amy Duncan, Ashley (Adam) Foster, Kate (Ryan) Roovers, David (Nikki) Martin, Adrienne (Charm) Place, Dan Benedict, Chris (Allison) Gann, Seth (Jessica) Martin, Megan Duncan, Maggie (Stephanos) Demus, Caroline Graham, and Annie Graham.
Barbara was a woman of faith, combining her Catholic and Baptist beliefs into a unique tapestry that guided her through life. She was preceded in death by her parents Pat and Gerry Kivett her in-laws Robert and Teresa DeWine, and her dear sister in-law and friend, Elizabeth Gann. Their names shall forever be etched in our memories as we pay our respects to those who have gone before us.
In honor of Barbara's wishes, there will be a private service to celebrate her life, shared with immediate family. Her spirit lives on in each of us, reminding us to cherish the time we have with the people we love. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (online: T2T.org or by mail: 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306). This charity holds a special place in our hearts, as Barbara was a long time supporter.
Barbara was a beacon of joy and love in our lives, and though we mourn her loss, we find solace in the beautiful memories she left behind. She taught us the value of laughter, family, and the importance of spending time with those we hold dear. Let us carry her legacy forward, embracing the love and laughter she brought into our lives.
May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing.