Barbara (Stevenson) Linz, 79, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born on May 22, 1942 in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Andrew and Frances Meschino Stevenson. She was a 1960 graduate of Academy High School in Erie where she played the clarinet. Barbara went on to attend Spencer Hospital School for Nursing in Meadville where she became an R.N. Barbara worked in various hospitals and doctor's offices in OK, MI, PA, FL, and MD as a Labor and Delivery nurse and IV Therapist. She became very proficient in putting IVs in babies, due to their tiny veins, and for that skill she was the "nurse to call'.

After more than two decades in nursing Barbara entered the stressful yet adventurous field of real estate in Olney, Maryland. She became very successful in her 2nd career, in large part, because she cared deeply about her customers. She always followed up to make sure nothing fell through the cracks and that they had excellent customer service. She won several awards for her accomplishments.

Mom LOVED her family. Her husband, daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandkids were her world. During family get-togethers, and usually after a glass of wine, she would always say with exuberance, "I Love My Family!"

She and dad would often drive nearly 9 hours each way from their retirement home in Bryce, VA to Ohio see their granddaughter, Samantha, in a play or to watch grandson, Colby, play golf and she was insistent to ALWAYS be present for every birthday and holiday. Mom was a social butterfly and had many, many friends. During her illness she received literally hundreds of get-well cards. While at Bryce she was a member of the Garden Club, Sewing Club, several Bridge groups, Ladies Bryce Golf Association, Lions Club and two Bible Study groups. She also enjoyed walking, yoga and traveling with friends. She volunteered with Bob at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital; Shenandoah Valley Music Festival and was on the membership committee at Bryce Resort.

Bridge was Mom's passion. She played in several local bridge groups and was a member of the American Contract Bridge League. She and dad traveled up and down the east coast competing in multiple tournaments. Mom was a fierce competitor and would be so excited when she was awarded Gold Points. Barbara is survived, loved, remembered and deeply missed by her husband Robert; daughter Deborah (Linz) Pilley; 'favorite' son-in-law Charles Pilley; beloved grandchildren Colby (17) Pilley & Samantha (14) Pilley; niece Andrea Conner; Sisters-in-laws Linda Stevenson, Charmayne Burns, Jeannie Shields and Judy Dennis; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by brothers Andrew Stevenson Jr., Bruce Stevenson and nephew Bruce Stevenson, Jr. Mom was always very positive and told her daughter and grandkids they 'could do anything'. We will miss her contagious smile, sage advice and comforting hugs. Deborah will also miss watching Jeopardy and Family Feud with Mom and Bob will forever miss his beloved "Barbie Doll".

Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Barbara's memory may be made to: Ohio's Hospice of Dayton

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Saturday February 5, 2022 at Southwest Church, 150 Remick Blvd Springboro, OH 45066. Visitation will take place 4:30-5:30pm followed by a Memorial Service and light dinner.