Cover photo for Barbara S. Rion's Obituary
Barbara S. Rion Profile Photo
1943 Barbara 2019

Barbara S. Rion

May 5, 1943 — October 11, 2019

RION, Barbara S.

In beautiful memory of a life well lived-Barbara Smith Rion died October 11, 2019 at the age of 76.

Barbara was a master gardener, garden designer, photographer, and champion of the environment.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 54 years John, her children Stacey (John) MacDonald, Jon Paul Rion, and Jennifer (John) Gaboury, her grandchildren; Sydney MacDonald, Henry MacDonald, Ellary Rion, Hayes Gaboury, Ava Gaboury, Isabella Rion; and Barbara’s brother, William Smith.

Barbara was a celebrated member of the Garden Club of Dayton, a past president of Friends of Aullwood, Board of Trustees member of Cox Arboretum, Tecumseh Land Trust Board of Trustees, and a Board of Trustees member of the Ohio Nature Conservancy. She was a steward of the Earth and her warmth, eternal kindness, and integrity will be remembered and greatly missed by all who loved her-and there were many.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 19, 2019 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Avenue, Dayton, OH 45419, reception to follow at their home in Barbara’s beloved gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Tecumseh Land Trust, 4633 US 68 Yellow Springs, OH 45387.

Barbara’s other accomplishments and awards
• Friends of the Environment Award 2018
• Foundering Member of The Tecumseh Land Trust
• GCA Club Medal of Merit 2011
• Zone X Creative Leadership Award 2013
• GCA Flower Show Award 2004 recipient
• GCA Award – Marie Aull Wildflower 2002
• GCA Award – Excellence 2003

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara S. Rion, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

33 W. Dixon Ave., Dayton, OH 45419

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 26

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree