Barbara 'Barb' Ann Valentik

Barbara 'Barb' Ann (Denes) Valentik, 73, of Elyria passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Elyria, Ohio and spent her entire life as a resident of Lorain County. After graduating from Elyria Catholic High School, Barb worked at Pioneer Federal Credit Union and then at Lorain National Bank. She met and married her loving husband, Rick in February of 1973. They lived in Elyria before building a home in LaGrange where they raised their four children. Barb enjoyed the country life and was always working on expanding her flower beds. Barb graduated from Akron University and later Ashland University with a master's degree and spent 25 years teaching in Lorain City Schools, North Ridgeville Schools, and the Lorain County JVS before retiring and travelling with her husband, Rick. In her spare time Barb enjoyed volunteering at Helping Hands providing assistance to those in need and the Lorain County Fair as a quilt judge. She loved quilting and was always working on various quilts that she made for family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed time with her book club and discussing the different books they read. Barb enjoyed gardening and spent countless hours picking out and planting various flowers around her house. She was active with friends from her Widows Club and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She was a loving grandmother and was happiest when she had her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by her side. Barb enjoyed vacations and travelling with her partner, Lad and the two of them were always planning their next adventure together. Barb is survived her mother, Pat; sisters, Dianna of LaGrange and Debbie of Grafton; loving partner, Lad Harrison of Wellington; sons, Rick Jr. of Lakewood, Jeff of Powell, Jon of Columbus, and Rob of Elyria; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years, Richard; her brothers, Jim, Tom, Patrick; father, Jim; and stepfather, Larry. Friends may call Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Busch Funeral Home, 114 Second Street, Elyria. Services will be announced during the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Parish, 320 Middle Avenue, Elyria, Ohio 44035 in Barbara's name. To leave an online condolence, go to www.bushcares.com 440-322-3717