Barbara Anne Ryan Peterson-Caves

January 6, 1934 – August 1, 2026

Barbara was born in Gandeeville, West Virginia to Hannibal T. Ryan Sr. and Ethel (Reed). "Bobbie" as she was fondly nicknamed, was smart and loved to learn. She was always active in her school and community, especially her church family having accepted her Lord and savior at a young age. Barbara's faith was her foundation and strength through her life journey carrying her through the many ups and downs, always trusting Gods plan.

Barbara graduated from Elkview High School and was a proud member of the Elkherd! Barbara earned a full ride scholarship, but Gods plan led her to become a wife and mother first, bearing six children. Her family was her priority, and she was an amazing mother who made sure her children knew about the Lord from the start. She made great sacrifices and was met with many challenges but persevered.

Barbara had an amazing vocational path and grew her career starting in administrative roles with Southwest General Hospital and Baldwin Wallace College. She moved forward in a new vocation with The Career Professionals as a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) eventually specializing on financial and accounting executive search leading to her opening her firm The Search Division, Inc. During her time in the employment industry, Barbara was very active in the local, state, and national chapters of the Association of Personnel Consultants holding leadership positions with each, wrote a training manual for the CPC certification, receiving many acknowledgments and awards for her work.

Barbara later shifted her employment expertise to program management and leadership at Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) helping to change and inspire the lives of thousands of disabled and/or challenged individuals.

Barbara always had an eye for "collectibles" so rather than retire she opened a little resale shop called BPC's This-N-That where she combined her business, sales and love of trinkets.

In recent years, Barbara resided at Generations Senior Living of Berea where she continued to connect with people, sharing her faith and love for Jesus with residents and staff. All through her life Barbara never walked by anyone. She loved people and they loved her. She saw people and touched a lot of lives with many considering her a second mom. Barbara was active for years with Roehm Student Council gaining lots of extra grandchildren as well.

Barbara was a light. Genuine, and inspirational. Even in her last days she was always planning for a future and her next adventure. Her pride and joy were her family, and she had great comfort in knowing her children were saved.

Barbara is survived by six blessed children; Barbara Joyce Skoda, Dennis (Jean) Peterson , Steven M. Peterson, Marsha (Roger) Peterson Brown, Timothy M. Peterson and Robin (John) Smalley.

Her cherished grandchildren Richard J. Skuderin Jr of Utah, Katrina Skoda, Jason (Danielle) Peterson, Bryan (Jennifer) Peterson, Benjamin (Nicole) Peterson, Ashley (Michael) Hlebak, Jasmine Scharfeld, Desiree Peterson, Tia Madias, Deidre Blake, Tammy Peterson, Chelsea Smalley and John D.H. (Dani) Smalley, Step grandchildren Bobby Bess (Sarah), and Brittney Bess.  ; 29 great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; nieces, nephew, and great niece all of whom she had a special connection.

Barbara loved her sister Helen Ryan Simpson of Scottsdale, AZ dearly, and they enjoyed a special bond.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brother Hannibal T. Ryan Jr., sisters Obyra J. Morris, Patricia Orchanian; brothers-in-law Robert Morris and Jerry Orchanian; son-in-law Joseph Skoda, daughter-in-law Debi (Satorius) Peterson; and great granddaughter Gwendolynne Hlebak.

Services for Barbara will be held at Baker Kensinger Funeral Home. Visitation on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 6pm to 8pm; Funeral Services Thursday, August 6, 2026, starting at 11am. Internment at Woodvale Cemetary; Section 15 plot 814. If so moved, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or Beech Brook.