Barbara L. Dellinger

Barbara Lorretta Dellinger (nee Gellhaus), born July 11, 1934, passed away on August 6, 2025.

She was born in Cleveland and raised in Cleveland Heights, graduating from Cleveland Heights High School in 1952 and Ohio Wesleyan University in 1956 with a degree in Political Science. She married Robert K. Dellinger and raised her children Elizabeth (Betsy) and Robert (Bob) in Chagrin Falls, spending most of her adult life in and around that community.

An avid volunteer all of her life, Barbara contributed her time and talents to more organizations than can be named, but a favorite volunteer activity was her many years as a Girl Scout Leader. She had several career roles, working at the Fireside Bookstore in Chagrin Falls, the Bainbridge Presbyterian Church and for many years as the business manager at the Chagrin Valley Racquet Club.

Barbara had many chapters in her life. She told stories of running home from school for black out drills during WWII and skipping in high school to avoid gym class. She enjoyed camping with her family when her children were young, transitioning to far more comfortable travel in her later years. She was a dear friend to many, playing bridge and wintering in Florida with Flo, Dottie and Jean, and enjoying the closest of bonds with her sister Mitzi, 7 years her senior. To quote her son Bob, “Mom made sure to be behind us, beside us or in front of us, as the situation called for”.

Barbara is survived by her son Robert Dellinger (Debbie) and daughter Elizabeth Dellinger, as well as grandsons Robert Dellinger, Doug Dellinger (Megan), Patrick Dellinger (Meredith), Raphael Dellinger and David Dellinger. Predeceasing Barbara were her parents Frank and Lorretta Gellhaus, and sisters Marion Munroe and Ann (Mitzi) Jackson.

A service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, August 26, at Church of the Saviour, 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.

ARRANGEMENTS BY FIORITTO FUNERAL SERVICE OF NORTHEAST OHIO www.FiorittoFS.com