Barbara Jean Koesters

Barbara J. (Engelbert) Koesters

11/16/1952 - 02/22/2024 (71 yrs)

Barbara, surrounded by her family, passed away at home after succumbing to a long struggle with congenital heart disease-related complications. Always one for a good laugh, she left her loved ones smiling through their tears as she parted this world early Thursday morning.

Born into the middle of a family of seven siblings, she was surrounded with friends from the start. In her younger days, Barb enjoyed playing softball, bowling, ceramics and was always singing 70's music favorites with her girls. Over time, and as her family grew, she enjoyed family vacations at the beach, spending time with her grandchildren, experimenting with new recipes and laughing with those whom she loved. While not a hugely adventurous soul, she always found unexpected joy in new places and experiences. Barb was truly a people person and never met someone she couldn't strike up a conversation with.

Barb attended primary school at St. Bartholomew and graduated from Our Lady of Angels High School, Class of 1971. Her early career took her from 5/3 Bank to U.S.Shoe Corp. While raising her children, she ran the cafeteria at her daughter's school (St. Clare) and catered (with her dear friends at Hilver's Catering), prior to ending her career working for Besse Medical.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, William Koesters; Daughters Kate Henze, Angela (Michael) Partin and Melissa (Mark Ward) South; Grandsons Tyler and Gunnar; Granddaughters Emily (Jared), Megan (Cory), Cahla (Che), Kaitlin and Emily; Great Granddaughter Maxine; Siblings: Patricia (Gerald, decd) McMurtry, Carleton (Kathy) Engelbert, Gregory (Cheryl) Engelbert, Peggy (Michael, decd) Breslin, Guy (Kathy) Engelbert, Janie (Tony) Martinelli , Elaine Paolo, Jeff (Kathy) Koesters and Gary (Debbie, decd) Koesters...as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Carleton and Margaret (Haffey) Engelbert and her in-laws, Edward and Janet (Hinton) Koesters.

Please join Barbara's family in remembering and celebrating her life on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Visitation will be held at John H. Evans Funeral Home (in Milford) from 10-11:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial and graveside service will be held at St. Louis Church (in Owensville) beginning at 12:30 PM. A repast for family and friends will follow the burial at St. Philomena (in Batavia).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Barbara's name, to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program. (Donation details TBA).