Barbara Dawn Gillmore

Barbara Dawn Gillmore (Graver) of Toledo, Ohio, passed away September 21, 2021, peacefully at StoryPoint Senior Living in Waterville, Ohio. Barbara was born July 27, 1931, in Los Angeles, California to the late Floyd and Marzouela (Turner) Graver. She moved to Toledo in 1934 at the age of three where she spent her remaining years. She was an avid dancer from the age of five years old through college where she danced and taught many students at Beatrice Gardner's dance studio in Toledo. Barbara graduated from Scott High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Toledo. On October 25, 1958, she married Carleton Earl Gillmore and they shared 50 blessed years together before his passing in 2007. Barbara was a beloved kindergarten teacher at Harvard Elementary School and several other south Toledo schools from 1958 to 1992. She had generations of students and was known for recognizing her students long after their graduation. After Barbara's retirement, she and Earl moved to Perrysburg. They spent many sunny winters in Florida and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States sightseeing and visiting family and friends. The class of '49 will long remember her for coordinating their Scott High School class reunions over the past 70 years. Barbara had a passion for collecting items for charity and loved to knit her signature washcloths and pot holders. She was never without her camera, so most of her life is well documented in an extensive photo collection. She was also devoted to church and loved singing with various church choirs. You would often find her sitting in the front row at Music Under the Stars, ushering at the Stranahan Theatre, or watching a local high school play. Barbara was a dedicated friend to all she met. She was generous with her time and will be remembered for her loving and committed presence as a mother and grandmother. Her legacy will live on through her beloved family. Barbara is survived by her two sons, Richard (Betty) Gillmore, and Ronald (Robin) Gillmore, six grandchildren, Clare, Christy, Chris, Ben, Lauren, Andrew, and eight great-grandchildren. Per Barb’s wishes, a private graveside service was held at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a future date. Memorial donations are suggested to Ohio Living Hospice Foundation in appreciation of the love and wonderful care they provided Barbara in her final months. Our sincere thanks are also extended to the staff at Perrysburg Commons and StoryPoint Waterville where she resided. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.