Barbara A. (Dirksen) Gels, age 77, of Dayton, passed away on September 29, 2024 at Miami Valley Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on July 26, 1947, in Celina, OH to the late August & Henrietta (Stucke) Dirksen.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was also preceded in death by three brothers, Donald, Paul & Carl Dirksen.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of almost 56 years, John (Jack) Gels; three daughters, Lisa & James Middleton of Westerville, OH, Jennifer & Thomas Mazzotta of Springboro, OH and Angela & Todd Fowler of Westerville, OH; two sisters-in-law, Geri Dirksen & Mary Dirksen; five grandchildren, Carly (26), Benjamin (23), Brooke (19), Ryan (18) & Colin (15); and by her extended family & many good friends.

Barbara was a long-time member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Englewood and of St. Christopher Church in Vandalia. She graduated from St. Rita's Hospital School of Nursing in Lima, Ohio in 1968 and worked as an RN in various doctor's offices in the Dayton area. Barbara was a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed reading, playing bridge & crocheting. She also enjoyed riding bikes on many of the bike trails, sewing, and spending time with her family, grandkids and her many dear friends. She was also active in PTA & Band Parents Associations at Northmont High School (Englewood/Clayton) and she volunteered at Dayton Children's Hospital in the gift shop for 10 years.

The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am on Thursday, October 24, at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 East National Road, Vandalia. Mass will follow at 11:00 am. Following Mass, everyone is invited to join the family for a meal at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 753 S. Hyatt Street, Tipp City.

If desired, contributions may be made in memory of Barbara to the Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, 922 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45402.