Obituary

Melinda Sue Barlow lived sixty-four years dedicated to the praise and glory of her savior Jesus Christ. On March 14, 2025, Mindy at last met the object of her affections face to face. She left this life peacefully, surrounded in her own home by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Together with her life-long love, Richard Barlow (Rick), she dedicated every day of her life to serving the Lord, and she will be remembered by all who knew her as one who taught others to do the same.

Mindy was born on December 17, 1960, in Upper Arlington, Ohio, to James George Braden and Carolyn Sue Braden. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and later attended The Ohio State University.

In 1979, during her college years, the Lord drew her to the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, where her faith sprang to renewed life. There she met Rick, and the two connected immediately over their shared love of music and service for God. They married quickly and began their family in the beautiful town of Westerville, Ohio.

A woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion, Mindy was a dedicated member of her church family. She put her passion for music and love of children to work, serving as the children’s choir ministry director for over forty years. She also worked as the preschool coordinator and music teacher at Grace Early Childhood Center, where she served her fellow teachers and nurtured young hearts and minds with love and joy.

Mindy’s greatest calling was to her family. She lived forty-three years as a faithful and loving wife. She lavished tender care upon her children, she embraced their eventual spouses as her own, and she beamed joy and pride over every grandchild who joined the fold. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; her children, Joshua (Rebecca), Benjamin (Erin), Stephen (Victoria), Anna (Shane), and Jonathan (Allison); and her cherished grandchildren, Alayna, Sophia, Ava, Samuel, Carolyn, Madeleine, Henry, and Charlotte. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in each of them.

Mindy saw beauty in even the simplest things. She adored all of God's creation: the myriad pets that filled her home, the birds outside her kitchen window, the flowers tended throughout her house and yard, the trees lining a quiet creek, the stones collected by her enthusiastic children and grandchildren. Music poured out of her life into others’, whether played by her violin or sung boldly from her lungs. She loved literature and the power of stories to turn our hearts to the one true Story and its Author. She lavished care upon everyone around her through innumerable home-cooked meals, ever-personal notes of care, and perpetual acts of service—many unseen.

Ultimately, every day she breathed was devoted in service to the Lord, to make Him known and loved. She gave of herself freely, always placing the needs of others before her own. To the end she prayed, she worshiped, and she proclaimed His faithfulness to all who would listen. Her life is a testament to the goodness of God, and to the beauty found in a life wholly committed to Him.

Mindy’s faith has now become sight as she stands in the presence of her Savior, whom she so faithfully served. While she will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and look forward to the day we will be reunited in glory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Polaris Church in Mindy’s memory.

Service Information:

● Visitation will be held at Grace Polaris Church on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM.

● Celebration of Life service will take place at Grace Polaris Church on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

● A private family burial will follow at Flint Cemetery.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9–11.

For those who are unable to attend the funeral service but would like the celebrate Mindy's life with us, the service will be shared live at: https://gracepolaris.org/watch/