Barbara J. Greve

Barbara J. Greve (nee Bates), 85, of Mason, OH passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019. Barb was born in Cincinnati to Ralph and Irene Bates and grew up in Norwood.

Barb is the beloved wife of Edward F. 'Gus' 'Ned' Greve, devoted mother of five sons; Bryan, Kevin (Denise), Michael (Nancy), Barry and Gary, loving grandmother of Tristan, Alec, Kinsey, Andrew, Hannah, Emily, Lauren, Megan, Claire, Evan and Natalie, dear sister-in-law of Joyce (Paul) Betz and the late Janet Pahner.

Barbara and Edward were married for 62 years, settled in Madeira where she raised her five sons. Barbara loved encouraging her boys at St. Gertrude, Cincinnati Moeller and Eastern Kentucky University. She had many talents, especially in the kitchen. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and bowling. In addition to being an avid football fan, Barbara was very loyal to the Cincinnati Bengals and a season ticket holder from the start. She was an extremely dedicated wife, mother and will be missed by her family dearly.

Visitation at St. Susanna Catholic Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040 on Monday, June 24, 2019 from 9:30 AM until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati Blue Ash, PO Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263.

To send a condolence, visit MuellerfuneralS.com

EULOGY

BARBARA JEAN (BATES) GREVE

November 28, 1933 - JUNE 13, 2019

If you are one of the lucky people who knew Barbara Greve - Mom, you probably are aware that one of her favorite hobbies was cooking and baking.  Throughout her life, she never stopped looking for new recipes to try, each one another culinary adventure for her as she would say “Nothing Ventured – Nothing Gained”

In her honor, the following recipe for life represents some of the important ingredients that made Mom such a remarkable person who blessed us with her presence here on earth.

Mom’s Recipe for Life:

Start with 6 heaping Cups of Love:

Mom - Barbara Bates was a much-loved only child.  When she grew up into a strikingly beautiful woman, she met the handsome Ed Greve.  Her life experience went from being the center of her small family to being the mother of 5 boys in just six and half years!  That takes a lot of love and shaped the rest of her life. Mom not only loved her husband, and sons but love all people and would never say a negative word to anyone, which included – “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all”

Add 5 cups of Patience:

On top of being a newlywed who was quickly filling their house on Apache Circle with her own band of wild, but well dressed natives, Mom was the chief of the tribe Monday through Friday since Ed traveled for his job as a Jantzen sportswear representative. She had no car either when Dad was out on the road, so she learned to be more than selfless, and self-reliant. Don’t forget the bravery either, when her boy’s brought home their treasures of snakes, mice, lizards, and wild game, not to mention the occasional broken bones, and stiches. Mom always took advantage of these situations to add a little of Life’s lessons.

Mix in 4 Tablespoons of Faith:

For Ed, Mom became Catholic and they sent all 5 sons to Catholic schools, from St Gertrude's Elementary through Moeller High School, a definite financial sacrifice- but Pop still thinks the milk bill was the biggest overall expense.

Fold in several handfuls of Friendship:

The family built a house and made a home on Old Barn Court in Madeira, a place where friends and neighbors often gathered, especially to enjoy Mom’s cooking, and friendship. Her son Kevin had many friends through high school and college who felt like she was their second Mom because of her kindness and hospitality.

Stir in even more Generosity:

While the boys were playing football, basketball & baseball, Mom washed countless uniforms, acted as chauffeur for practices and cheerleader at all their games.  She then welcomed her son’s wives and children into the family.  Later in her life, she shared her cooking talents by bringing meals to a friend who was shut in.

Add a Cup of Perseverance:

Mom did not always get to “live the dream” on her vacations.  Instead, she was a trooper on "vacation" fishing trips to Lake Erie, knowing that her husband and her sons, especially Bryan, loved it there. Mom and her sister in law Joyce survived a week on a Lake Cumberland houseboat family reunion.  Complete with a note written by aunt Joyce’s husband, uncle Paul place on the bathroom door which read “crapper broken”. They just might have enjoyed something a little less rustic.

Sprinkle with lots of Loyalty:

Starting as a season ticket holder from their beginning, Barbara remained a Bengal fan through thick and thin, throughout her life.  Another special thanks goes to Aunt Joyce for being her orange and black companion when only the loyal “girls” still had season tickets.  Barbara just loved football, at all levels, and especially seeing her sons and grandsons play.

Add a Scoop of Style:

Mom could usually be found wearing her signature colors of red, black, tan and white.  While not as tall, she was built like a model and especially wore the classic look of Pendleton and Talbots so well.  Her swept back ponytail was another signature look that she made timeless. Mom worked endless hours to ensure her home, was meticulously clean and in order, nothing was ever out of place. If cleanliness is next to Godliness, she is sitting right next to Jesus now.

Toss in Tons of Thoughtfulness:

As a Mom and then Grandmother, Mom always seemed to find the perfect gift.  She also sent the out of town grandkids special delivery packages to mark the holidays when they were small, and celebrated everyone's accomplishments with pride. She never forgot any family members special occasion.

Adapt the cooking time and temperature as needed:

While the move to the Mason condo was difficult, she did love being located so close to her son Mike and his family, as well as the nightly Kings Island fireworks she could see from their deck.  You never saw Mom lose her cool, she always adapted, improvised and overcame whatever came her way. When faced with memory loss, she stayed a positive force in the family.

Please share this special recipe with others:

Mom cooked amazing meals for family and friends, a passion she especially enjoyed sharing with granddaughter Lauren.  She never failed to make holidays and family gatherings a special event.  Everyone will really miss her signature chocolate chip cookies, especially Barry.

Please share Mom’s recipe for life, her example, and all the ingredients she used to make her life so full of love, and Mom will live on through all of those whose life’s she has touched - or who have eaten her food....

GOD BLESS YOU MOM,

GOD’S SPEED

WE THANK YOU AND,

WE LOVE YOU