Barbara Elizabeth (Beck) Steingass

Barbara Elizabeth Steingass (nee Beck), aged 80, died on June 6, 2026 at Hospice of Medina. She was born on November 20, 1945 to the Rev. Robert F. and Elizabeth H. Beck of East Canton, Ohio.

Barbara was a graduate of Lakewood High School and Heidelberg College and received her Master of Library Science from Rutgers University in 1970.  A dedicated educator, she was employed by Grove City Public Library before she became an elementary school librarian at Sharon and Hinckley Schools in Highland, and then Heritage, Claggett, and A. I. Root Schools in Medina.  After retirement in 2005, she continued to serve in the school libraries of St. Ambrose, Midview, and Buckeye, as well as the Friends of the Medina County District Library.  She was active in her church as a teacher, evangelist, and caregiver.  Barb loved to garden and give the produce to others.  She lived to serve.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Jonathan M. Steingass, her daughter Carolyn (Bryan) Penvose, her son Rev. James (Rachel) Steingass, her grandchildren Ruthanne, Derek, Kendra, Madison, Sarah, Landyn, and Kinsley, her siblings Rev. Richard (Marlene) Beck and Marguerite (Rev. Mark) Frey, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and her church family.

She is predeceased by her parents, her aunt, Dr. Kathryn J. Beck, and her brother-in-law, Bruce D. Parish, Esq.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 5-8pm in the Gathering Area of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, 2233 Abbeyville Road, Valley City, Ohio.  The funeral will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 4pm at Zion Lutheran Church, preceded by calling hours at 3pm, with a supper to follow.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries of Cleveland (lutheranmetro.org), the Buckeye Education Foundation (BEFfoundation.org), or the Medina County District Library (mcdl.info/donate).

The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City has the honor of serving the Steingass family.

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