Barbara J. Mardis

Barbara J. Mardis (61) of West Lafayette, departed her blended family on April 6, 2022 peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer in January.

Born March 27, 1961 in Coshocton, Barb was the youngest daughter of the late Roy and Rosa (Cottrill) Ice. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by several siblings, relatives, and friends to welcome her Home.

Barb retired from manufacturing after many years applying her trade as a sewer, seamstress, and production worker; most recently from Annin Flagmakers and Ansell Edmont of Coshocton as well as Janesville Acoustics of Newcomerstown. She spent the majority of her free time gardening, crafting, and taking up decorative projects to make her home a beautiful and comfortable place to be for herself, her family, and anyone who might stop by. She looked after anyone she crossed paths with, especially children and animals in need of care.

Barb is survived by her domestic partner, Scott D. Thomas of West Lafayette as well as her former husband Owen E. Mardis Jr. of Newcomerstown who is mentioned here at her special request due to their cordial and supportive relationship that continued over the years and through the end of her life.

Also surviving is her daughter Amanda Mardis (David Lanham Jr.), granddaughter Cadence Moore and grandson Braden Moore of West Lafayette; daughter-by-choice and live-in super-star caregiver Wendy Thomas of West Lafayette; James (Karla) Thomas and grandson Jaxson of Port Washington; Chris Truex (Christina Fogle) and grandson Christopher of Strasburg.

Aside from the children and grandchildren Barb deeply cherished, she is also survived by four siblings: sister Rose (Danny) Shortt of West Lafayette; niece Raylynn Shortt (Tony Engram) and several great-nieces and nephews of West Lafayette; nephew Tyler (Nichole) Shortt with a great-niece and nephew of West Lafayette; brother Ora (Florence) Ice and niece Jessica Ice of Kimbolton; sister Wilma Ice and two nieces, Courtney and Rose, as well as nephew, Charlie, of Richmond, VA; and brother Roy Ice of Kimbolton.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 11, 2022 from 5-7pm at Free Funeral Home. Per Barb’s wishes, cremation will take place following the Celebration of Life and interment will take place at a later date.

Category: Obituaries