BARBARA GAY OLNEY (MARCH 7, 1942 – JULY 25, 2016)

Barbara Gay Kruse Olney, 74, of Zanesville, died Monday, July 25, 2016, at The Arthur G. James – OSU Medical Center after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Barbara was born March 7, 1942 in Batesville, Indiana. She graduated from Batesville High School in 1960, received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ball State Teachers College and a Master’s Degree in Social Studies from Ohio University. She retired after 30 years of teaching fifth graders at East Muskingum Schools. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Zanesville; a fifty year member and past officer of Laura Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Norwich; and a member of the Muskingum County Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed reading, quilting, making crafts, traveling and being with her family. Her two grandchildren were the love of her life.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Allen L. Olney, of the home; one son, Christopher (Lisa) Olney of Zanesville; one daughter, Jennifer (Ted) Zahn of Rockwall, Texas; one granddaughter, Emily Olney of Zanesville and one grandson, Connor Olney of Zanesville; a brother, Kenneth (Barbara) Kruse of Batesville, Indiana; a nephew, Nathan Kruse of University Heights, Ohio; and a dear friend / “sister”, Barbara Jennings of Zanesville; plus several cousins and many friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Thelma Kruse; two brothers, Eugene Kruse and James Kruse; and a sister-in-law, Janet Kruse.

Friends may call from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Friday, July 29, 2016 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, with Eastern Star Service at 5:45 P.M. Calling hours will also be held one hour prior to the funeral services at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 116 North 7th Street, Zanesville, with the Rev. Mark Combs officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Sonora. A “Party of Life” will be served after the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 116 North 7th Street, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME.