Longtime Lisbon Street resident Karla Wotring Barrett passed away at 8:10 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2015 and now joins her husband and other loved ones who were waiting for her in Heaven. Karla, who was 81, died at the Hospice House in the presence of dear family and friends.

She was born in East Liverpool on January 13, 1934, a daughter of the late Harold and Naomi Lee Wotring. A 1953 graduate of East Liverpool High School, she married her sweetheart, Robert W. “Bob” Barrett on February 27, 1953 while he was serving with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Karla had worked at the old American Theatre during her early years, and later taught kindergarten at the former Pleasant Heights School in the 1960’s. She was also a familiar face in the cafeterias at Westgate School for many years. A faithful volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army, she had also worked at the Board of Elections, East Liverpool precinct.

When not working, she enjoyed baking wedding cakes, doing crafts, camping, and eating out with friends. Her family liked to joke that she loved spending their inheritance at the Mountaineer Race Track. But it was no secret that she treasured big family gatherings most of all. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she took great pride in raising her two sons, and made their home a place where their friends and family members always felt welcome.

Her husband, Bob, preceded her in death on December 9, 2005.

Her sons survive: R. Bruce Barrett and his wife, Barbara, of Lisbon, and Scott E. Barrett and his wife, Jackie, of East Liverpool. Karla also leaves behind her grandchildren, Skyler Scott Barrett and Kadie Van Fosson and her husband, Kyle. She will also be remembered by Matt Beatty, whom she loved as a grandson, and his mother, Sandy.

A brother, Johnny Wotring, also preceded her in death, as well as her cousin, Joyce Black.

Bruce, Barb, Scott and Jackie would like to acknowledge the kindness of her closest friends and family.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Monday, where the family will be present from 3 to 8 p.m.

Pastor John Smith will conduct services to be held at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Karla will then be laid to rest beside her husband at Spring Grove Cemetery, followed by a time of continued fellowship at the Dawson Family Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karla Jean Barrett (Wotring), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.