Barbara Ann "Barbie" Herman

Barbara Ann (Barbie) Herman, 76, beloved sister, aunt and friend, died June 80. A lifelong Ohioan, Barbie was born in Youngstown, graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in political science and stayed in Columbus, settling in German Village and nearby areas.

Barbie was preceded in death by her parents Gussie and Bob Herman. She is survived by her sister Cheryl Sills and husband Steven and her nieces Amy Watts and husband Anthony and Julie Cepler and husband Mitch. She is also survived by her great nieces and great nephews Sylvie, Adrian and Mila Watts and Scarlett and Liam Cepler.

While Barbie was tiny in stature, her heart was bigger than most. She made friends wherever she went and kept her friends for life. She loved animals, especially small dogs, and her closest companion was Heidi, her Yorkie. Her love of Little dogs was infectious, and when her nieces were young, she gave them their first puppies.

Barbie spent her career working for the State of Ohio in a variety of roles, including serving on the staff of former Governor Ted Strickland. Passionate about government and politics, she was a devoted supporter of the Ohio Democratic Party and an ardent campaigner, She was a voracious reader - especially detective fiction, had a wonderful sense of humor, loved puns and was a great baseball fan. She also loved to shop, aways looking not just for herself but for a special find for her nieces or her friends.

A celebration of Barbie's life will take place on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00-4:00 pm at 910 Franklin Ave. Columbus. 

Donations to honor Barbie's memory may be made to a charity of your choice or a cause important to her, such as the Columbus Public Library or a Yorkie rescue organization.