Barbara Hovis Obituary

Barbara Hovis

Barbara Hovis, 93, died Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was born October 5, 1932, to Catharine (Dillon) and Orville J. Cooper. In 1947, she worked part-time as a high school student in the diet kitchen of Findlay City Hospital, now Blanchard Valley Hospital. She graduated from Findlay High School in 1950 and completed one year at Findlay College. She later worked as a clerk at Montgomery Ward and then as a secretary at Gar-Wood Industries. She married Richard D. Hovis, a farmer from Risingsun, March 22, 1952, and moved to his family farm. In 1963, she was employed as a study hall monitor at Lakota High School, and in 1972 was appointed secretary to the superintendent. She retired from that position in 1997 after 34 years with the district.

Barbara was an active member of Risingsun First Church of God, serving as council secretary, financial secretary, Sunday School superintendent, vacation Bible school teacher, and held various offices in the Women's Christian Service Council. Richard retired from farming in 1992, and they moved to Findlay. Richard died in October 1994. Barbara volunteered at the hospital for a few years and then worked part-time as a secretary at the Northwest Ohio Education Association in Findlay for several years. She transferred her membership to College First Church of God, where she served as a greeter and attended the Bible Study Fellowship classes for several years. She served the Churches of God General Conference as transcribing secretary for several years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, taking those roles very seriously and finding great joy in them. She was an avid reader and could quote long passages from Shakespeare. She enjoyed sewing and playing cards, and she sang in a trio at Risingsun Church. She imparted her love of music to her children. She enjoyed traveling and had toured several foreign countries. In 2025, she moved to Birchaven Village.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Richard) Torgersen of Colorado; son, Robin C. Hovis of Millersburg; grandsons, Zachary (Angela) Torgersen of Omaha; Benjamin (Amy) Torgersen, Burke, Virginia; Ryan (Cassandra) Torgersen of Columbus; and great-granddaughters, Adelina, Ana, and Susanna Torgersen. Also surviving are sister, Jeanne (Terry) Bowen of Leesburg, Indiana; and brother, James (Sharon) Cooper of Findlay.

She was preceded in death by brother, John D. Cooper, Mt. Cory; and sisters, Elva (Jim) Peterson, Arlington; Sue (Charles) Swisher; and Evelyn (Richard) Bartchlett, Findlay.

Funeral arrangements by Coldren-Crates. Calling hours are from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, with her funeral beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026. Interment at Knollcrest Cemetery.

Memorials to Risingsun First Church of God, 7968 US 23, Risingsun, OH 43457 and/or College First Church of God, 1100 N Main St, Findlay, OH 45840.

Online condolences may be shared at coldrencrates.com