(Adapted from The Times-Gazette, Tuesday, March 18, 2008 with additional comments by Rev. Mike Anderson)
Bonnie Barber – “Love Poured Out”
Bonita L. (Baber) Barber, 58, of Greenfield, died Sunday March 16, 2008, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio while surrounded by her family.
Born September 18, 1949, in Trenton, New Jersey, she was the daughter of Rev. William L. Baber and Lois (Arthur) Baber.
She is survived by her husband, John Archie Barber, whom she married October 16, 1969; her mother, Lois Baber of Greenfield; daughter and son-in-law, Marcie and Bob Phares of Studio City, California; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Angie Barber of Greenfield; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Vickie Baber of Washington CH; and 15 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rev. Bill Baber, on April 1, 2006.
Bonnie served the Greenfield area for 15 years as a volunteer EMT at the Greenfield Area Life Squad. She was a graduate of Edward Lee McClain class of 1968.
Bonnie was an active member of Emmanuel Christian Church in Greenfield. She also served 18 years as a volunteer at the New Directions Youth Ministry, where she was considered “Mom” by many area youth.
Bonnie knew and loved Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord…and at this very moment is in His presence where there is no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain, no more crying, no more sickness and disease, and no more separation. On Sunday afternoon, Bonnie entered into the home that Lord himself prepared for her in this perfect place called Heaven.
Bonnie lived a life that exemplified “Love Poured Out”. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” Bonnie was a dispenser of God’s kind of love. This is the kind of love that Bonnie “poured out” on all of us.
Bonnie’s love was poured out on her family. She had such a deep love for her husband Archie, whom she married some 38 ½ years ago. She couldn’t even talk about Archie without that “twinkle” in her eye. He truly was the love of her life. Bonnie loved her children. She was so proud of Marcie and Brad and all of their accomplishments and at the depth of character that they both display. Bonnie loved her son-in-law Bob, and her daughter-in-law Angie and has shared on numerous occasions how they both have made such a wonderful addition to her family. Bonnie loved her coming grand-daughter…little Laura Bonita Barber. Bonnie has been stock-piling baby clothes and other items for quite some time because she was so excited about being grandma to this little one. Bonnie loved her father Bill (who went to be with the Lord nearly 2 years ago) and her mother Lois. Bill and Lois were obviously wonderful parents evidenced by the quality of children that they raised in both Bonnie and Jack. Not only did Bonnie and Lois share a mother-daughter relationship but they shared the relationship of being “best-friends”. What a special blessing from God! Bonnie dearly loved her brother Jack and both of them have shared about the great relationship that they enjoyed together while growing up in a household of faith. Bonnie poured out love on all her family…she even loved her “grand-dog”, the little pug-beagle mix named “Bailey”!
Bonnie was “love poured out” to all her friends. She was always offering an encouraging word and a helping hand. She took time to invest in others. Bonnie was a mentor to many younger women…my own wife has said that other than her own mother, Bonnie had the greatest influence in her life of any woman she has ever known. Bonnie demonstrated “Love Poured Out”.
Bonnie was “love poured out” to her church family. She loved the church. She loved Valley Chapel…the little country church that her father Bill began under the guidance of the Lord many years ago. In recent years, she loved Emmanuel Christian Church and the people there who befriended them and took them in as one of their own. Bonnie loved to decorate (the beautiful angels in the sanctuary) and she spoke of how she enjoyed leading the Bible study at the church.
Bonnie demonstrated God’s love by pouring out love on literally thousands of youth over the past 18 years while serving as an adult volunteer at New Directions. Bonnie led bible studies, worked with leadership teams, served on the Board, helped with fundraisers, did her “decorating magic” at many events, led prayer groups, attended and organized special events, opened her home to the ministry, used her vehicle to transport students, helped at the weekly worship time, ran the coffee house, played games with students, counseled students in time of need, attended trainings, encouraged all past and present directors, and, in short, lived a life that points to JESUS! Bonnie lived a life that pointed students to Jesus and she died doing what she loved!
This dear woman who was indeed “Love Poured Out” to all of us. All of us will remember Bonnie’s arms open wide ready to give us a hug and encourage us on our way. But let the love that Bonnie showed you point to the one whose arms were outstretched on Calvary…the one who was the ultimate “Love Poured Out” for all mankind…Jesus Christ himself. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” Bonnie did what Jesus commanded…she live a life of Love. Bonnie’s love was a reflection of God’s love in her. Her love points to the love that was shown on the cross…the greatest demonstration of love ever given. And if she was able to stand before you and me today she would tell us that we must open our hearts to God’s love given to us through Jesus Christ…believing that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and who rose again victorious over death, hell, and the grave three days later. Are you ready to give your heart to Jesus today? Are you ready to receive God’s love for you? He’s waiting for you with His arms open wide.
Listen to the words of the song, “Angel” which says:
And when I go to sleep at night
I’ll thank you for each blessed thing surrounding me
For every fall I’ll ever break
Each moment’s breath I wanna taste
Confidence and conscience
Decadent extravagance
Never ending providence
For loving when I had the chance
Thanks Bonnie for all your love. Thanks Jesus for showing us your love on the cross. Now that’s what I call “Love Poured Out.”
