Barbara Davis

Barbara L. Davis, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 82 in Dayton, Ohio. Born on August 1, 1943, in Richlands, Virginia, Barbara lived a life defined by her strength of character and her unwavering dedication to family and community.

A woman of deep faith, she was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church. After working at NCR for four years, she began raising a family with her husband, Ray. She then found her true calling working with children, serving for 26 years as a daycare assistant at Step Ahead at St. James. There she created a warm and supportive environment for the children in her care and later helped transport them safely to and from school. Those who knew her described her as strong-willed, a quality that served her well throughout her personal and professional life.

Barbara cherished simple joys. She was a devoted fan of the Cincinnati Reds and loved watching baseball. She also found great happiness in camping and spending time in nature, making lasting memories at Caesar’s Creek, Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan, and Mackinac Island.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ray E. Davis; her sons, Paul Ryan Davis and Todd Christopher Davis (Jill Heffner); her brother, Denver Smith (Debbie); and her sisters, Diane Hitchler (Gaylon) and Elizabeth Waldon (Ralph). She also leaves behind her niece, Casey Smith; nephews Derek Hitchler, Kent Hitchler, Bobby Proffit, and Carey Proffit; great-nephew Hunter and great-niece Hanna; and many other family members and friends who will carry her spirit forward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Garnie and Frances Smith; her sister, Dorothy Proffit; her nephew, Marty Proffit; and her niece, Missy Jorgenson.