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She rooted for them, celebrated their accomplishments, laughed with them, and was always there with advice when they needed it.

Barbara “Babs” L. (Allen) Smith, 72, passed away on August 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family far greater than any family tree could hold.

Born June 15, 1954, in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Barbara was the daughter of John Allen Sr. and M. Nadine Allen. She graduated from Nitro High School in 1972 and later attended The Ohio State University, beginning a lifelong love for the Buckeyes that anyone who knew her knew well.

Barbara spent more than two decades in office and property management, including 11 years as an office manager with Brazell Electric, Inc. and 11 years as a property manager with G&G Homes in Marion, Ohio. She retired in 2021.

She married Malcolm Smith on December 17, 1994. Together, they built a life surrounded by family — both the family they were given and the family they gathered along the way.

Known as Barb, Babs, Grandma Smith, Granny, Grams, Mom, and a number of other names earned over a lifetime of loving people, Barbara had a remarkable way of making room for others. She was a steady presence at the heart of her family, keeping people connected and making sure there was always room for one more. She loved her nieces and nephews, friends, her children's friends, and the many people she collected along the way as fiercely as her own. Babs had an expansive family tree, but with the love she had for us all, she planted a whole forest.

She was proud of the people she loved and made sure they knew it. She rooted for them, celebrated their accomplishments, laughed with them, and was always there with advice when they needed it — whether they asked for it or not. She taught them the importance of self-respect, good company, and, of course, never leaving the house without lipstick. Most of all, we will remember what it is like to be loved by her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John Allen Sr. and M. Nadine Allen; her stepmother, Rose Cooper Allen; her brothers, Keith Allen, Michael “Mike” Allen, and John Allen Jr.; her brother-in-law, Jerry Pritt and her niece Cindi (Pritt) Kauble.

She is survived by her husband, Malcolm Smith; her children, Tracy (Joe) Townley, Rob Bartoe and Chad (Monica) Smith; her siblings, Tom (Dee) Allen, Steve Allen (Juanita “Juan” Whittaker), Mildred Pritt and Karen Watts; her 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces and nephews; and the many others fortunate enough to call her family.

Babs spent a lifetime loving hard, laughing often, and reminding the people around her to take pride in themselves and show up for the people who matter. She was deeply loved, fiercely proud, and will be profoundly missed.

*Per Babs’ heartfelt request, guests are invited to wear pink to the service in celebration of her life and memory.