Barbara J. Plunkett

Barbara Jeanne (Rust) Plunkett age 88 of Eaton, Ohio was reunited with her husband and family in Heaven on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Vancrest Health Care Center. Born on November 29, 1932, Barbara was the daughter of the late Reverend Glenn C. Rust and Florence (Wolford) Rust. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1950 and attended Manchester College until she married her college sweetheart, R. Eugene (Gene) Plunkett in 1952. Barbara and Gene built their family home to share their love with 4 children while working as teachers and running the family business, Plunkett Plumbing. Members of the Eaton Church of the Brethren, Barbara and Gene served as Deacons, active in all church activities that required set-up, clean-up, and fellowship time. Barbara was never without her camera or phone to later share photos with all who attended.  

Best known for her endless energy and enthusiasm, Barbara hosted numerous extended family gatherings. Whether she was canning green beans and tomato juice with her grandparents and children, or freezing corn and applesauce with her grandchildren and great grands, she knew how to throw a party! Thanksgiving gatherings filled Gene and Barbara’s home with aunts, uncles, and cousins from both of their extended families. They never missed an opportunity to “go up and down the road,” as Gene used to tease, in order not to miss a grandchild or great-grandchild’s athletic, musical, or church activity. Being there with a camera to capture those precious memories, Barbara made sure you had a Hallmark card and pictures of your time together. Smile the next time someone takes your picture and remember how much you are loved. 

She will be missed by all, especially her loving family: Daughters, Deborah (John) Lahman of Peoria, AZ, Elizabeth (Mike) Hartsough of Richmond, IN, and Mary (David) Lahman of North Manchester; Son, Dan (Jaine) Plunkett of Springboro, OH; Sister, Joan (Darrell) Parks of Columbus, OH; Brother Dean and (Shirley) Rust of Lancaster, PA; Sister-in-law, Norma Theen of Sarasota, FL; 9 Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren. 

Interment will be held at Mound Hill Cemetery – Eaton, Ohio. Due to current pandemic conditions a Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00PM EST Sunday January 3, 2021 via Zoom Service. Join the Zoom Meeting Link at https://zoom.us/j/95378308084 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Community Church, Hospice of Dayton, or the Max & Joyce (Rust) Snider Scholarship c/o of Manchester University. Arrangements Entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home, Eaton, Ohio. Condolences at www.barnesfuneralhome.com