Barbara Lockard Obituary

Barbara Ann Lockard

Barbara Ann Lockard, 73, of Findlay, drop-kicked the proverbial bucket Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, surrounded by her son and an assortment of quality hair and skincare products.

She was born Nov. 28, 1950, to John and Mary Jane (Wanstrath) Lockard in Cincinnati, Ohio. Barb grew up on the city's westside, riding her horse Mr. Abbott (Bunny) through Mount Airy Forest, and playing in Applegates Woods. She was a graduate of Mother of Mercy High School Class of 1969 where she earned high marks in troublemaking, back sass, and literature.

Upon graduation from high school, Barb worked a variety of jobs in the greater Cincinnati area, including at MetroVision cable company where she worked as office manager and jack of all trades. She met Gerald (Jerry) Sisser through a shared professional interest in television and media. They were married at a makeshift altar in their home bathtub March 1, 1985, and raised two children in Findlay, Sarah Sisser (Ben Streaker), 37, of Findlay and John Sisser (Wayne Olson), 31, of Palm Springs, California.

A life-long learner, Barb took great pride in her educational achievements. She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Tiffin University in 1988 and a master's degree in Education from The University of Findlay in 2001 while working full-time and raising two kids. Professionally, Barb held public relations and marketing jobs for various organizations locally, including Blanchard Valley Health System, The United Way of Hancock County, The University of Findlay and Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio.

Barb was an active participant in the community, serving two terms on Findlay City Schools Board of Education between 2008-2016, secretary of Findlay Art League, president of Canterbury Swim Club and running with Findlay Striders. She published two books of humorous short stories about growing up in Cincinnati in the 1950s (available on Amazon!). She loved horses from a young age and owned and cared for horses at multiple times in her life. She had too many hobbies to mention, ranging from kayaking, to dog agility.

In later years, she enjoyed watercolor painting (she was "decent", her words), playing Mah Jongg with friends, and the occasional (daily) hot fudge sundae. Though she didn't enjoy the stupid game, she played Wordle religiously. In 2022, she secured a grant to establish the "Give A Crock" program through St. Mark's United Methodist Church. Since January 2023, the program has distributed 461 meals to people in the community, and just last week applied to secure additional funding to continue the program after her passing.

If asked to describe herself, Barb may mention any of the following: mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, public relations professional, reader, writer, distance runner, animal lover, art enthusiast, and left-handed. She was the recipient of the prestigious Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year, an honor she proudly touted to anyone who she felt would savor the irony. But perhaps equally important as Barb was what Barb aspired to be: a barrel racer, a pickleball player, a soft-serve ice cream shop owner, and a Vermont Bed and Breakfast operator. She constantly pursued new ideas and new interests. She dreamt big and audaciously because she believed most anything could be accomplished with hard work and the right attitude. She did not appreciate and rarely accepted limits, and while she occasionally indulged in an unrealistic venture, more often than not she leveraged her determination to help those around her and improve her community in very meaningful, pragmatic ways.

She is preceded in death by her husband, and parents.

She is survived by her two children; three grandchildren; her sister, Karen Striet, 77, of Cincinnati; and her 10-year-old, 100-lb black labrador retriever, Tybee.

She leaves behind a large group of friends, who are sad to see the world lose a kind, caring, creative, smart, and truly funny person-the type of person the world needs far more of.

Please direct memorials to Jerry Sisser and Barb Lockard Memorial Scholarship Fund at Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation.

COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.