Barbara Ann Kuroff

Barbara Ann (Norton) Kuroff, 76, beloved wife of the late James Konstantine Kuroff, devoted mother of J. Konstantine (Dean) Kuroff, Jr. (Cindy), Mary A. Kuroff Smith (Braxton), and Kara K. Kuroff; dear daughter of the late Walter R. and Alma Norton; sister of Betty Childers (Ulis) and the late Carol Norton; loving Grandmother “G-Ma” of Candice M. Fulcher, Jordan E. Berger, James K. (Jimmy) Kuroff III, Alexandra J. (Allie) Kuroff and Katherine A. (Katie) Kuroff, also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends . Passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 with her family at her side.

Barbara lived her life with passion and grace, blessing everyone she met with unwavering kindness and unconditional love. When you spent time with her, it was impossible to walk away without feeling greater joy, encouragement and hope. A literature professor, author, avid rose gardener, traveler and songwriter, Barbara inspired everyone around her to pursue kinder, richer and more meaningful lives.

In 1959, Barbara graduated from Mason High School—and she went on to earn a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Cincinnati. After working in Women’s Programs and Services at UC, she served as UC’s acting Ombudsman from 1992-1994. A lifelong writer, Barbara edited for F&W Publications/Writer’s Digest Books for several years before being named Editorial Director from 1998-2004. She shared her love of literature as a moderator for UC’s OLLI program, where she led discussions on the works of Steinbeck, Hemingway and (her favorite) Fitzgerald. While actively writing her own collection of short stories and a novel, she enjoyed participating in book clubs and the Cincinnati Writers’ Project. She loved encouraging and helping other writers perfect their craft.

When Barbara wasn’t reading and writing, she was actively cultivating her Christian faith as a member of Hope Church, tending to her rose garden, cooking/entertaining for family and friends, and sharing memories from the 30 years she and the love her life – Jimmy Kuroff – owned and operated Kuroff’s Shish Kebab Restaurant (now Silver Spring House).

Her greatest joy in life, however, was her family to whom she will be a lifelong role model for what it means to love and generously give to others. Barbara’s unwavering kindness and selflessness will forever be embedded in the memories and hearts of all that knew her. She was a gift, light and inspiration, and will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, OH 45040 on Friday, May 11 from 5-8 PM and Services on Saturday at Hope Church, 4934 Western Row Road, Mason at 10:00 AM. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s or the charity of your choice. For details or to send a condolence, visit www.muellerfuneralS.com 513-398-9100.