Barbara Louisa Pickering, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished Grammy, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her family at her home in New London, OH.

Born on September 21, 1953, in Sandusky, OH, to the late Virginia and Howard Mahl, Barb grew up in a loving home that instilled in her a strong sense of family and community. She carried these values throughout her entire life.

Once upon a time, in 1974, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Joel Pickering. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and friendship, raising their 3 boys, Vernon, Philip and Brian. Her home was always open to all, the center of every family gathering, and the place where countless cherished memories were made.

Barb took immense pride in her role as a Grammy to her 7 grandchildren. She adored spending time with them, whether it was watching them play sports, show cattle, or playing cards and board games. Each year, at their request, she would make birthday cakes with the theme they wanted, no matter how difficult the design. Her legacy of kindness, patience, and unconditional love will live on throughout them.

Barb had a passion for sewing, volunteering, spending time with friends and traveling. She was a dedicated member of The New London Community Club, where she served as Treasurer. For many years she was also a member with Farm Bureau, as well as a member of The New London Garden Club. In her years of volunteer work she made many life-long friends and memories. Her gentle spirit and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Joel Pickering; their children, Vernon (Rachel) Pickering, grandchildren, Adelle, Kalynne, Mallory, Claire; Philip (Stephanie Lynn) Pickering, grandchildren, Peyton and Beau; Brian (Kaylin) Pickering, grandchild, Maverick.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Virginia (Pflieger) and Howard Mahl, and sister, Annie Miller.

A service to celebrate Barbara's life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, a memorial visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 am and her Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00am. Services will be held at The New London Alliance Church, 4625 OH-162, New London, OH, 44851.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to American Cancer Society or SouthernCare Hospice.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Gale Hazen; Dr. David Barron & staff at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Lorain Mercy Health staff, Centerwell Home Health, especially Melissa Heileman; Empatia Palliative Care; & SouthernCare Hospice, for their compassionate care and support during her final days.

Eastman Funeral Home, New London assisted the family with arrangements, online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: http://www.cancer.org/

Southern Care Hospice - Milan Office
9501 US Highway 250 N, Ste 2,, Milan OH 44846