PENWELL

With deep love and heavy hearts, we celebrate the vibrant, full life of Barbara Lou (Gartin) Penwell, age 84, of Springfield, and formerly of London, who passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Springfield Regional Medical Center, surrounded by all her family whom she loved so much.

Born on October 1, 1941, in West Jefferson, Ohio, Barbara was a daughter of Lawrence Gartin and Alice Josephine (Stoner) Gartin. A dedicated hard worker throughout her life, she was a familiar face in the London community. She began her career at The Madison Press before dedicating many years of service to the State of Ohio. Her career path brought her to the BCI and later to Madison Correction Institution. She was also a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #950 in the Women’s Auxiliary and found spiritual comport as an attendee at Christ Way To Spiritual Life Church in Springfield.

Barbara possessed a wonderful, creative spirit and loved crafts of all kinds. Scrapbooking was one of her greatest passions, but her true artistic trademark was her custom, handmade cards. Intricate, beautiful, and ornate, every card she gave to family and friends was a miniature masterpiece filled with personal touch and love.

She had a passion for all flowers and cherished the quiet, rewarding hours spent working with her garden when she was able. Barbara had a special love for custom dolls and clowns which always brought bright color and joy to her home. Always, up for a good time, she possessed a lively, fun-loving spirit and loved chancing her luck with a trip to gamble from time to time.

Above all, her greatest masterpiece was her family. She loved fiercely, laughed warmly, and left behind a treasure trove of unforgettable memories. Though she left us suddenly, the profound impact of her life will remain forever planed in the hearts of those who loved her most.

She is survived by her children: Shauna Malone, Jerry (Susan) Malone, and Casey (Gary) Gordin; grandchildren: Joshua (Ashley) Fout, Braden Shaw, Kyle (Sarah) Malone, Jordan Hill, Dalton Malone, Tyler (Jacey) McClintick, Kaitlyn McClintick, and Olivia Brann; great-grandchildren: Jaeden, Payton, Jeric, Caleb, Lola, Jaxson, and Ollie; brother Larry (Sandy) Gartin; sisters-in-law Louise Gartin and Diane Johnson; several nieces and nephews; stepdaughter Debbie Whitaker; very special friend Connie Chastain.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Josephine; daughter Kathy Shonkwiler; sister Katy Gartin and brother Paul Gartin.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. Funeral services will commence at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Jim Blankenship officiating and interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.