Teresa “Terri” (Bowers) Barnes, 86 of Lima, passed away February 28, 2023, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Terri was born April 4, 1936 in Lima to Paul and Blodwen (Watkins) Bowers, who preceded her in death. On July 12, 1956, she married Robert “Bud” Barnes, who preceded her in death in 2018.

Terri was a graduate of Gomer High School, attended Miami University and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Bowling Green State University.
She retired from The Ohio State University as Assistant Professor Emeritus in Communication. In addition to her teaching duties, she served on various committees, was the president of the Faculty Assembly for two terms, and represented the four Ohio State University regional campuses on the Ohio State University Affirmative Action committee. Terri also served as a communication consultant and conducted seminars and workshops in improving communication, business communication, and effective listening; she was a frequent guest speaker throughout Ohio. She was a member of Gomer Congregational Church where she was in the choir and bell choir and served various terms as a deacon, trustee, and moderator. Terri had many accomplishments in her life, most notably being included in Who’s Who in the Midwest, International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women, Outstanding Community Leaders in America and Women Educators in the Western World. She was a wonderful athlete who could pick up any sport she tried. Terri was an avid golfer and enjoyed taking golf trips with her husband and friends. She loved traveling, especially to London and Wales, from where her family hailed, and she had such fond memories of family times at the lake in Michigan. Terri was incredibly proud of being from a musical family and not only enjoyed being a featured soloist, but also singing with her sister Patty, accompanied by their mother, Blodwen. Most of all, Terri enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Terri is survived by her daughter, Caryn (Ron) Robinson of Brentwood, TN; son, Rob (Christina) Barnes of Bellefontaine; grandchildren, Ross (Caroline) Robinson, Layne Robinson, Riley Barnes, Dylan Barnes, and Delaney Barnes; great-granddaughter, Brynn Robinson; brother, Bruce (Carol) Bowers; brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Schultz, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Dr. Patricia Schultz.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Gomer Congregational Church with Rev. Brian Knoderer officiating. Burial will follow in Pike Run Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at CHILES- LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES – SHAWNEE CHAPEL and again from 12:00 PM until the time of the service on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gomer Congregational Church, Allen County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.