Sarah Gauch Barker

Sarah Gauch Barker, age 70, of West Manchester died on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at her home after an extended illness. She was born on May 21, 1943, In Richmond, IN, the daughter of Heber and Alice (Dolloff) Gauch. Except for a few years, she lived her entire life on or near her parents farm in Monroe Township. Sarah was a 1961 graduate of Monroe High School and a 1965 graduate of Otterbein College, having majored in Education. She went on to a teaching career of 45 years in the Tri-County North School District, touching lives of many children, their children, and grandchildren. She was a life-long member of Wares Chapel United Methodist Church, serving as organist, Lay Leader, and Lay Member of the West Ohio Annual Conference. She was also a Certified Lay Speaker and brought the message at Wares Chapel many times. Sarahs passion for the last 10+ years was serving as Coordinator for the Monroe Township Food Bank, which is located at Wares Chapel. She came to truly understand the needs of her neighbors and led in building the ministry accordingly over the years. Sarah is survived by her daughter, Lori & Bobby Ward; her grandchildren, Brandon & Rachael Ward; her sisters, Julia & Alan Harris and Rebecca Petitt; niece and nephew Emily Harris and George & Jennifer Petitt III; numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews; and special friend, Val Browne. A memorial service will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Wares Chapel United Methodist Church, 1060 Foos Road, West Manchester, with Pastor Laura Thie and Rev. Valerie Browne officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 8:00pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton. Memorial contributions may be made to Wares Chapel United Methodist Church or Monroe Township Food Bank, both at 1060 Foos Road, West Manchester, OH 45382 or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Online condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family by visiting www.gsbfuneralhome.com.