Barbara A. Romain

Ohhh, that kiss. My eyes found you at an autumn street festival when we were only 15. And so I asked you out, vowing to end that first date with a kiss. I succeeded, and ohhh, that kiss. I knew then, as I know now, that with you was where I belonged. A silly kiss, but it carried us through life. Through 55 anniversaries of sunshine and rain (and there was plenty of both), we ended each night with an "I love you" and a kiss. I love you now as I did then, and I will miss all of it. But most of all, I'll miss that kiss. Ohhh, that kiss.

Barbara Ann (Combs) Romain passed away June 23 at the age of 78 following a lengthy illness.

Born in Barberton and a graduate of Barberton High School, she is survived by husband Renald, son Todd and daughter-in-law Jessica, daughter Tiffani Bekeleski and son-in-law Jeffrey Bekeleski, and grandchildren Corey, Emily, Samuel and Isabel Romain, and Megan and Alyssa Bekeleski.

Following her husband's graduation from Ohio University, their marriage and a tour of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, the couple and their children returned to Northeastern Ohio in 1970, living in Stow and Munroe Falls. Barbara was an avid crafter and had a particular fondness for Victorian period artifacts and Shabby Chic design. Her true love, however, was her family, and she nurtured that throughout her life. Her greatest pleasure came first from raising her children to adulthood, then later dedicating herself to her grandchildren, engaging them in adventures of the mind and flights of fancy as she watched them grow to maturity. She was dearly loved and will not be forgotten.

Final arrangements are being handled by Newcomer funeral home. There will be no services.