Dora J. Barra passed away at age 96, on March 31, 2025, at the Wesley Ridge Retirement Community in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, John Barra; parents, Alphons and Rita Schaer; brother, Myron Schaer; and sister, Martha Schaer Blais.
Dora is survived by son, Michael Barra; daughter, Kristina (Bruce) Fraser; three grandchildren, John “Andrew” Fraser, Ellen (Adam) Tompkins, and Elizabeth Fraser; and great grandson, Luke Tompkins. Dora’s sister, Frances (Ken) Mercer also survives.
Dora grew up on an idyllic farm outside of Canal Winchester in a community full of extended family. She graduated from Canal Winchester High School in 1946. Dora was a proud graduate of Capital University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1950.
While a student at Capital, Dora met the love of her life, John Barra, and they were married June 30, 1950. Life took Dora and John to Logan County, where they raised their children and spent their working lives.
Dora taught hundreds of first graders during her teaching career, first at Belle Center and then for many years at the Huntsville Elementary School in the Indian Lake School District.
Dora was always active in promoting the education profession. One of the activities that was most important to her was her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an international association whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She served in various positions in DKG, including president of her local chapter.
Following John and Dora’s retirements from the Indian Lake Schools, they moved to Columbus to be closer to grandchildren and other family members. Dora was devoted to her family, friends, and faith. She was a joyful person who made friends wherever she went. She will be missed by the many whose days she brightened.
The family gives its thanks to all of the care-givers at Wesley Ridge for their love and care for Dora — and for us — during the years that she lived there.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday April 11, at the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, 6300 East Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Father Denis Kigozi will be the celebrant.
Contributions may be made to Church of the Resurrection with a notation for Children’s Religious Formation. Arrangements by Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home, 550 Hill Road N, Pickerington, OH 43147. Online condolences can be found at spencefuneralhome.com.