Barbara A. (Smith) Booth

Barbara A (Smith) Booth, 86, of Springfield, went home to be with the Lord on November 4, 2023 in Forest Glen. Barb is now free from the painful grip that Alzheimer’s held on her for several years. She was born September 9, 1937 in Springfield, the daughter of the late Charles and Ruth (Elliott) Smith.

Barb graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1955, where she participated in student council, boosters’ club, speech club and was a member of Homecoming Court being crowned Homecoming Queen in 1954. After graduation she worked briefly for Springfield Federal and Loan Bank before joining the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of the late James Berry. She left the Prosecutor’s Office for Clark County Common Pleas Court where she worked as bailiff/secretary for the late Honorable John W Henderson.

Former member of the Springfield Junior Service League. Past President of the Springfield Tennis Patrons. Former member of the City of Springfield Tennis Commission, Western Tennis Association and Ohio Valley Tennis Association where she served as Area Chairman (STP). In 1989, Barb was the recipient of the Lee Gillespie Award (given to a non-tournament player who has done the most for tennis). Served as Tournament Director for the 1990 Western Open Girls 12 & 14 Championships and the 1990 OVTA Boys 16 District Qualifier. Nicknamed “BB” by several area tennis players as she was “tennis mom” during tournaments, providing snacks, transportation and offering cheers from the sideline. Barb enjoyed gardening, photography, shopping, traveling, peppermint ice cream, listening to Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller and Andrea Bocelli. Served as a volunteer at Emmanuel Christian Academy. Her greatest joy was found while attending her granddaughter’s events, whether it be dance recitals, birthday parties, music concerts, or sporting events.

Barb is survived by three children, Mark W Booth, Ann (Keith) Neville and Jennie Jordan; one grandchild, Miranda (Nicholas) LoPrinzi. Along with her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband Fred W. Booth, sister-in-law Joyce Booth and her beloved miniature schnauzer, Mister Four Paws. The family would like to extend our gratitude to the caring staff at Forest Glen and Ohio Hospice.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Berea Bible Church, 3850 Derr Road, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until time of the service at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Brian Miller officiating. Private committal services will be held in Ferncliff Cemetery. Jones Kenney Zechman Funeral Home is servicing the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.jkzfh.com 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Christian Academy, c/o Dan Moore, 2177 Emmanuel Way, Springfield, Ohio.

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