Barbara J. "Tomlison" Mathess

Barbara J. “Barb” Mathess, 78, of Wellsville, Ohio, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Valley Hospice Care Center North in Steubenville, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 23, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Barb graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University in 1969. She dedicated 32 years to teaching health and physical education at Beaver Local Schools, retiring in 2001. A passionate coach, she led the volleyball teams at both the high school and middle school levels and became the first girls’ basketball coach at Beaver Local High School. She played a key role in establishing the Beaver Local Schools Athletic Hall of Fame and was later inducted into it. An avid bowler, Barb competed in the state tournament from 1969 through 2015, served as president of the East Liverpool Women’s Bowling Association, and was elected to the board of directors for the State Bowling Association, where she held the position of Sergeant at Arms. A devoted member of Holy Trinity Parish at St. Aloysius, she served as a eucharistic minister. Above all, she was a loving wife.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul E. Tomlinson, and her mother, Phyllis (Treleven) Stewart. Barb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Steven Mathess, whom she married on August 1, 1970.

She will be remembered for her lifelong commitment to education, athletics, and service, as well as the deep love she shared with her husband and family.