Barbara “Barby” Olen, 78, passed away peacefully with her sister Deb by her side on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Onita Place, her group home in Virginia, Illinois.
Barby was born to Donald P. and Rachel C. Olen on January 25, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa, the second of three sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Rae, her older sister Kathleen “Kathy” Anne Knight, and her nephew, Edward P. Knight, Sr. and his son, Edward Knight, Jr.
Barby is survived by her sister, Deborah “Deb” Olen Stype and her brothers-in-law Greg Stype and Jerry Knight. She is also survived by nieces Jennifer Knight, Robyn Rae Stype (Anthony Stype), and Sydney Corrine Stype (Matthew Dominico), nephew John Paul Knight and Barnaby Stype, great-nephew.
In addition, Barb leaves behind her longtime, caring staff at Onita Place and her housemates, Nola, Becky, Billie Jo, Ross and Vernon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Avenue, Wooster, Ohio. Interment will be immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, 7067 Cleveland Road, Wooster, Ohio.
Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
Contributions in Barb’s memory can be made to Onita Place, 201 E. Sylvan Street, Virginia, Illinois 62691 or Willow Ridge Hospice, 536 S. Schrader Avenue, Havana, Illinois 62644.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Deb, your family has been on my mind so much recently, and now I see why. Barb is now reunited with her mom and dad and no doubt they welcomed her with huge smiles on their faces. And you have been such a devoted daughter, sister and aunt. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend your sister’s funeral but I will definitely keep you all in prayer. 🙏
Deb, I’m so sorry to learn about the passing of your sister. Take comfort that she is now restored in the arms of Jesus. I hope you are able to celebrate her life surrounded by loved ones and friends.