Barbara Ann (Bauer) Pfaff

Mr. Pfaff, I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.

Karl, Valarie and Family, Melissa and family, Sorry for your lost. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barb made an incredible impact on so many, including Jen and me. She taught us many things- and not just how to twirl- and always had such passion for what she did that was contagious. The Red Marauders were/are family, and we will cherish those memories and all of the others between our family and yours over so many years. We love you all and will remember Barb fondly always. Our prayers and love continue to surround as you grieve and go through these days. Love from us all- Doug, Jean, Jen, Kathy and families

Karl, Valerie, and Melissa, We are so sad to hear of Barb‘s passing. She had the best sense of humor and positively influenced so many young lives. There is a special place in heaven for teachers and she is already there. Prayers and blessings to you, Deb and Joe

Melissa, while I didn't get to know your Mom, I'm certain she had to be talented and caring because she raised a daughter who also has those exact qualities, and has learned from the best to be such a wonderful mom herself. Sharing the words of Emily Dickinson that were sent to me when my Mom passed: "This world is not conclusion...a sequel stands beyond, Invisible as music...but positive as sound." Our sincerest condolences to you, Set, the boys, and your extended family. Love & a long-distance hug...Jeannie & Tim

I have known Barbara for most of my life through our baton twirling careers. I am saddened to learn of her passing. She was a great and very talented lady. Sending my sincere condolences to her family

Mr. Pfaff and family, So sorry to hear the passing of your wife. I too remember the fun musical times at PHS that she was a big part of, and will always. Prayers to you and your family.

Dear Val and Melissa, I am so sorry for the pain you are enduring. Mothers are forever etched upon our hearts; their passing leaves a raw and irreplaceable loss. Your Mom was a good one. Her care, nurturing, encouragement, work ethic and love are seen in her beautiful children, whom I am proud to have known. May you hold close to one another throughout this difficult time. I am holding you close in prayer. God bless you both with His Loving Affection. My deepest condolences,

Mr. Pfaff, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife Barb. I remember all too well being at your home for baton practice, going to competitions and being taught by you in school. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Karl, you and the family are in our prayers. May the Holy Spirit bring you comfort. Much love to you, cousin.

Karl-so sad to hear about Barb. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this terribly sad time.

Mr. Pfaff and Family - My prayers and sympathy to you all in your loss. I remember so well Mrs. Pfaff instructing us in the cast of "Bye Bye Birdie" in the dance routines for the show, 49 years ago last month. It was always good to see her and Mr. Pfaff out and about the town. God bless you all!

I was so sorry to see that Barb had passed. She was always so kind to me and I loved her smile. Prayers for your family.

Karl and family, So very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest condolences for your loss. I have some very fond memories of Barb. I remember many a lunches she would make for me while I hung at your house all summer. Happy Mother's day Barb!!

So sorry for your loss praying for you and your family

Karl, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

Sorry for your loss, prayers for all her family

Karl, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I’ve known her for years and we always spoke. She was such a talented and interesting person to talk with. You all will be in my prayers and have my deepest sympathy. Prayers for all of you

So sorry to hear of Barb’s adding. Karl, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Friends Forever . ************************************************ Majestic hardwood tree trunks stood guard ‘round the perimeter of the grassy lawn surrounding the lodge at Goodyear Metro Park. Limbs stretched upward dividing into branches laden with leaves just beginning their colorful transformation into warm fall hues. Puffy white wisps of clouds studded the clear, blue sky as rays of sunlight danced between tendrils laden with vegetation. Gradually, heavy vehicles of the 1950’s era, festooned with wide, shinny chrome bumpers, lumbered up the driveway and into the parking lot; emptying themselves of the men, women and children attending the annual Goodyear Aerospace employee picnic. Grey, metallic frames held swings suspended from links of chain and beckoned children of all ages to clamber upon them. Little legs extended outward to propel forward; and flexed to move backwards and magically all gained altitude until the heavens might be grasped. Within the lodge, long tables stretched from front to back and soon picnic variety foods were ready to serve. All in attendance selected seats among the folding chairs lining the aisles. Ques formed and paper plates were soon laden with potato salad, hot dogs and beans. Once seated, conversations erupted between mouthfuls. Always on the lookout for a playmate, my 7 year old eyes rested upon a sweet little girl with a blond Paige-boy hair style and an outgoing personality. Introductions were made and after learning that her name was Barbara, we rushed outdoors as our parents conversed. Little did we know that a lifelong friendship would be kindled that day; not only between two children, but also between our families for generations to come. Our lives would forever be intertwined. I soon learned that Barbara was a student in tap and baton classes at the The Norma Valentine School of Dance in Barberton, Ohio; and I was thrilled when my father consented to my enrollment. Barb and I learned dance steps to “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” and “Tea for Two” and began twirling chromed rods in tune to marching music. As was common in the Akron, Ohio area, our instructor formed a baton group called The Valentines. Nearly 40 girls of varying ages began practicing coordinated march routines as we lined up on the long, wood floored dance studio. Our mothers created flashy, circular skirted costumes fashioned with sequined hearts and bright pink feather trim. Beginning with the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade around Lake Anna in Barberton and concluding with the traditional Akron Labor Day parade, our group enchanted crowds lining the streets as we extended arms and maneuvered batons cyclically all the while singing an original tune penned by Barbara’s Dad, Bernie Bauer “We are the Valentines Pretty pert, pretty pert Valentines. We’ll steal your heart away Any time, any day. We are the Valentines Marching on parade! We will dance, we will twirl We will prance as we swirl For we are the Valentines!” So much fun! And as Barb and I shared childhood adventures, our parents too became fast friends. Hours upon hours were spent in each other’s homes as events of the day were discussed; and Sunday evenings were spent watching episodes of Bonanza. Often all converged upon the Bauer’s kitchen table for lively games of Monopoly, with Bernie organizing money and properties as the banker. Cookouts, trips to the State Park at Turkeyfoot Lakes, and “drop-ins” just to say “hello” as the adults shared a cup of coffee; and Barb and I concocted “shows” pantomimed to 1940’s Spike Jones comedy records performed for our captive audience. Trips to Cedar Point were punctuated with home made signs saying “Cedar Point or BUST”; and Barb’s parents became Uncle Bernie and Auntie Mac. They remain treasures of my heart. As all lives tend to do ever so quickly, childhood soon dissolved into teen years and adulthood. Gone were the days of summer camp weeks, picking strawberries, black raspberries and throwing rotten tomatoes at boulders. Before we scarcely blinked an eye Barb was walking down the aisle, looking like a Princess as she met her Prince Charming, Karl Pfaff. Eventually my home was made in Alabama while Barb and Karl remained in Ohio. And though miles separated us, our friendship remained and we continued to share life experiences; even having babies only days apart. Trips to the beaches of Alabama and the Florida panhandle and even to the Smoky Mountains highlighted our lives and served to intertwine our families further. 63 years have now passed since that late summer day of our meeting; and though neither of us had a sister; I truly believe that our long history of shared experiences would qualify as a true kinship. I love you Barbara Ann Bauer Pfaff and am thankful for our friendship. May it continue forever.

Our sincere condolences to Karl and the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Barb left an imprint on my soul. “When I say jump, you say how high”

I was so sad to hear of Barb’s passing. She was a great substitute teacher and majorette instructor of mine. My thoughts are with Valerie and her family❤️

I am so sorry to hear of barb's passing. I worked with her at the middle school and just loved her. She was a caring teacher and friend with a great sense of humor. May you rest in peace Barb.

Condolences to Barb’s family. If you knew Barb you knew Karl and if you knew Karl you knew Karl. Barb was always a caring, giving, and very friendly person. Know that as God blessed us all just knowing Barb he also is blessing us with great memories of all Barb was. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers, may the Lord warm your hearts with loving memories, give you strength during this difficult time, and belief you will be together again.

Sending thoughts and prayers out to Barb's family and friends during this time and the days to come.

Karl So Sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry for your loss. We have lost a wonderful soul. Barb taught countless children, and led hundreds of young girls in the Red Marauders. She was a huge part of Becky's and my lives for 32 years. She was a terrific friend, and will be missed.