Born and raised in Licking County, Bari Oyler Stith moved to Geauga County when her husband got a job in Chardon after completing a tour in the Army during the Vietnam War.
Born and raised in Licking County, Bari Oyler Stith moved to Geauga County when her husband got a job in Chardon after completing a tour in the Army during the Vietnam War.
“I am very appreciative and blessed to live in this beautiful, vibrant county where people celebrate their heritage through long-standing traditions, as well as preservation and adaptation of some of our most meaningful places,” Stith said. “I am inspired by the sheer number of and dedication of our veterans … who have returned to us, then turned their talents and energies into service in so many ways to our community.”
Stith is director of Ursuline College’s Historic Preservation Program. Her students have done preservation projects all over Ohio, including at Geauga County sites, such as Union Chapel, Centennial Oak, Punderson Manor House, Huntsburg Town Hall and Parkman Post Office.
She’s also a trustee of the South Newbury Union Chapel National Register Historic Site, Leadership Geauga Heritage/History Day narrator for bus tours and from 1990-2008, served as Geauga County archivist and records manager.
“I so appreciate that we, Geaugans, retain moments, such as our Memorial Day celebrations, to honor our veterans for their service to our community and our country,” Stith said.
To her, Memorial Day is an annual moment for reflecting on both the lessons of the past and the needs of the future.
“I have grandchildren now, so I think a lot about what they will need to anchor them for a successful future,” Stith said.
Her family members have served in the military since the American Revolution.
“To me, Memorial Day in Geauga is a time to bring my family members together to share those stories with the youngsters and participate in the community events … to honor those who have given their lives for us — as Memorial Day was originally meant to be — as well as those who have served,” Stith said.
