Barbara Santschi

February 16, 1938 - March 14, 2020

Barbara (Best) Santschi of Alliance, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones, at 1:05 AM on March 14th. Born on February 16, 1938 in Alliance, Ohio to McClellan and Elizabeth (Tullis) Best, she lived in Alliance for most of her life. Barbara graduated from Alliance High School in 1955 and was employed at Alliance Country Club as the Office Manager, retiring after 45+ years of service. She wed Robert “Bob” Santschi on January 3, 1959, and they were married for 56 years until he passed away on April 13, 2016. Barb was an independent career woman in a time when most women were not working. She was a self-taught accountant, and in her spare time worked at and became knowledgeable about the stock market controlling the family investment portfolio. She was a member and served as treasurer of The Elite Club since high school and appreciated the wonderful decades long friendship and support of their group. She was treasurer of her class reunion committee for many years, assisting with the preparations and volunteering at the reunions. She played intramural sports in high school and was a competitive person and had a lifelong love of sports. Barb was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavs, Ohio State sports and NASCAR taking many trips to numerous tracks. She settled sports trivia disputes on occasion, always knowing the answer to everyone’s amazement with lots of laughter at her unique knowledge of each sport, and her outstanding memory. She and Bob traveled extensively and had a deep appreciation of nature and history. They especially loved their visits to Carmel by the Sea and Monterey California. Barb had excellent fashion sense and helped her daughters and granddaughters with fashion tips and was always observant and complimentary. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her granddog, Timmy who was by her side upon her death. She was a kind person who had a strict policy against gossiping about others and had empathy for all. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters, Laurie (Greg) Gemberling of Alliance, Lesa (Chris) Felger of Alliance, OH; three granddaughters, Dakota (Josh) Mueller of Alliance, Savanna Porter of Cleveland, Paige Felger of Manhattan, NY; two great-grandchildren, Maverick Mueller, Winslow Mueller; sister-in-law Nancy Savage and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, Bob Santschi; brother, McClellan Best; two sisters, Betty Weigand, Kay Grewe; father, McClellan Best; mother, Elizabeth Best; dear friend Maxine Cade. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date yet to be announced. Memorial contributions are suggested to Aultman Alliance Hospice 2461 W. State St., Suite E Alliance, OH 44601. You are invited to view Barbara's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.