Barbara J. Plummer

SALEM – Barbara Jean (Erath) Plummer passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Salem Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Salem, Ohio on July 4, 1938, the daughter of the late Charles E. Erath and Stella Mae (Fidoe) Erath. Barb was the oldest daughter of seven children. When her beloved mother died in 1958, Barb stepped up to be the best role model, supporter and mother figure she could for her siblings, despite her own young age. She became the matriarch of the Erath family and, later on, her own family.

Barb met the man who would later become her husband, best friend and lifelong companion, David L. Plummer, when his family moved in next door to her. Dave eventually convinced the “prettiest girl he ever met” (and, as he soon came to find out, also the most stubborn one) to be his high school sweetheart, and they both graduated from Salem High School in 1956. Barb married her “David” (as she always called him) on December 27, 1958. They went on to have two children together, their daughter, Patricia J. (Plummer) Jackson and their son, David A. Plummer. Barb and Dave were later blessed with four wonderful grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom dearly loved and admired her.

While she and her husband were raising their family, Barb worked as a legal secretary for several attorneys in the Salem area, which is where she found her true calling in life…serving as an advocate for those in need and supporting people during the most difficult times of their lives. This calling is what drove her to return to school in her 30s to pursue her dream of becoming an attorney. With the encouragement and support of her husband and children, Barb enrolled in college and spent the next 12 years working during the day and attending classes in the evening. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in 1981. She went on to attend law school and graduated with a juris doctorate from Akron University Law School in 1984. She was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio in 1985 and opened her own legal practice for the next 40 years. Her granddaughter, Amanda, later followed in her footsteps, becoming an attorney and joining the practice as her partner in 2005.

Barb was a life-long resident of Salem, Ohio and was both proud and honored to be part of this community. She supported many local organizations during her lifetime, either by serving as a board member or donating her time or legal services. Over the years, Barb received many awards and acknowledgements due to her involvement in these organizations, which she greatly appreciated. However, she preferred to be in the background and shied away from any prestige or personal recognition for her contributions as these things were not what motivated her. Her motivation to serve and support these organizations, along with any person in need that she could help, came from her own personal passion and determination to do her part to give back to the people and community she loved so much.

Barb was an avid reader and loved murder mysteries and historical dramas. She also loved antiques and went to numerous auctions and antique shops over the years with her husband.

Barb also loved spending time at her lake house on Guilford Lake, where she and Dave hosted countless family dinners and holiday parties. Her favorite holiday was Independence Day, not because it was her birthday, but because this was the day she hosted the best party and fireworks display at the lake for her family members, close friends, and neighbors.

In their later years, Barb and Dave became snowbirds and loved spending winters at their vacation home in Northport, Florida. They, along with their group of friends, enjoyed going to different beaches in the area, meeting up for happy hour and dinner most days of the week and going to car shows.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will always remember her best for hosting “Sunday dinners,” which had to include her favorite course…dessert. Barb and Dave hosted a family dinner at their home every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. and instilled in them the importance of making time for your family. Everyone was expected to be there to spend at least that one meal together as a family. However, there was always extra food for anyone else you wanted to bring.

Barb is surivived by her husband of 65 years, David L. Plummer; her two children, Patricia J. (Robert) Jackson and David A. (Melissa) Plummer, both of Salem; four grandchildren, Attorney Amanda J. Jackson (Trevor Gardner), Robert D. (Amy) Jackson, Tyler D. Plummer and Jenna M. (Braden) Davison, all of Salem; three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Hailey and Logan Jackson of Salem; her brothers, Charles E. (Ardis) Erath, Jr. and Randall (Debra) Erath; her sisters, Beverly (Todd) Couchie, Carol (Duane) Stalnaker and Margie (Donald) Emch; her sister-in-law, Joyce (John) Johanyak; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Barb was preceded in death by her sister, Linda S. Stoffer, and her brother-in-law, Ronald L. Plummer.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

A private memorial service will be held for Barb’s immediate family and close friends only. However, if you knew Barb and wish to share a special memory about her or express condolences to the family, please visit her obituary at www.starkmemorial.com or in Barb’s honor, please take the time to have “Sunday dinner” with your own family and loved ones…and be sure to have lots of dessert!

Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Area Speech and Hearing Clinic (Salem Quota Club), 1371 Highland Avenue, Salem, Ohio 44460 or Mobile Meals of Salem, 1995 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. Plummer, please visit our floral store.