April 7, 1948-August 3, 2026
Barbara Ann Henning, spouse of Rev. Robert J. Henning (Retired Elder), breathed her last and went to be with Jesus the morning of August 3, 2026 at the age of 78. Born April 7, 1948 in Fremont, Ohio, she gave her life to Jesus as a child.
A beautiful person, she sought to follow our Savior, of whom Scripture says, “His lovingkindness is forever.” She followed and lived well. A graduate of Fremont Ross High School, she married her beloved life companion Bob (Robert Henning) at her home church, Fremont, Ohio Church of the Nazarene, August 21, 1971. He will hurt from her absence as he awaits reunion in God’s future. It’s as if half of him is missing. She shared ministry with him as he pastored churches in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. They joined the United Methodist Church in Michigan. Barb was much loved by people, especially the children, wherever they served.
Barb is especially loved by their children: Christy Henning (Oberlin), Mark Henning (Columbus), Brandy Murray (Okemos, Michigan), and her husband Matt Secrest (Okemos, Michigan). She is loved by sister Bonnie Dumbroff (John) and brothers Dan Mehlow (Cherri) and Dave Mehlow (Deborah). Preceded in death by parents Lyle and Beatrice Mehlow.
She was not only inspired in Christian faith by her mother Bea, but she also shared her Mom’s love of laughter and teasing us. One of her favorite books was “Laughter, Joy, and Healing.” Most of Barb’s life ministry was as an unpaid companion with Bob. Employment included “Kiddie Kollege” as Bob taught at Vennard College in Iowa, clerical work for the Spring Arbor College (Michigan) Prisoner Education Program, and home health care. She was active in the Walk to Emmaus in Michigan. Since retirement to Oberlin in 2011, she has been active in the life and ministry of Rust United Methodist. She was especially appreciated for her memorable words with the children in morning worship. Her object lessons were simple, to the point, and often involved giving out candy. Adults appreciated that she had candy for them, too. She enjoyed volunteering with Oberlin Community Services and they loved serving with her.
We will share a time of worship, thanking God for blessing us with Barb and celebrating a life well lived. This will be at Rust United Methodist Church, 128 Groveland Street, Oberlin, OH 44074 on August 21, 11:00 AM. Visitation at 10:00 AM.
Condolences may be posted online at Cowling Funeral Home Inc., Oberlin, OH.
Last Updated on August 21, 2026