Barbara Stocker

Barbara Stocker (92) died at peace surrounded by family and friends at her home on her family’s generational farmstead in Trumbull Township. She lived a life filled with laughter, music, prayer and best intentions, the proud mother of 11 children with her beloved husband of 62 years, Earl G. Stocker (deceased). Barb and Earl raised their 11 children on the Stocker family dairy farm on Sidley Road, prior to their purchase of the Lustig sister’s restaurant on Thompson Square. A fearless entrepreneur with only a high school education but determination to run her own business and despite numerous missteps but bottomless energy made it a success and an enduring family business for 40 years. She loved to banter with her guys at the counter and round table at Stockers on the Park. Her talent and passion earned her lead roles in theater productions at Lake Erie College and Rabbit Run (a 3-time golden Bunny winner for best performances). Her incredible voice was a fixture at many Thompson area events; weddings, funerals, church services and singing the Star-Spangled Banner every year since the 60’s at the Thompson Memorial Day and 4th of July celebrations. Barbara was also a profitable artist of numerous acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings (buy now!). She was a trail blazer and fervent supporter of women’s sports and coached the girl’s basketball team at Ledgemont for several years in the 70’s until a faculty member was hired. As well as an athlete Barbara was a ribboned equestrian, at 83 she journeyed solo to Idaho to spend a week on a working dude ranch, trail riding every day.
The daughter of William J. and June E. (Galligan) Bisig, Barbara was born in Cleveland and grew up with her siblings; Richard Bisig and Beverly Bisig (Campbell) both deceased and sister Bonnie Bisig (Neff), brother-in-law Robert Neff, brother Gary Bisig and sister-in-law Kathy Bisig and attended Thompson High School.
She will be so missed by her sons and daughters, Timothy (Marie) Stocker of Harpersfield, Anita Stocker of Thompson, Anthony (Susan) Stocker of Saybrook, Deborah Stocker of Rock Creek, Dottie Stocker of Rock Creek, Loretta (Mark) Steele of Geneva, Jeffrey Stocker of Thompson, Constance (Dr. Jerry) Patriarca of Concord, Cynthia (Robert) McElhatten of Seffner, FL, Maria Miller of Geneva, Michael (Annette) Stocker of Madison as well as her 27 grandchildren Carly, Damon, Francis, Timothy, Garrett, Ryan, Jessica, Patrick, Mariah, Courtland, Olivia, Michael, Steven, Philip, Courtney, Robby, Vincenzo, Antonio, Jordyn, Jenna, Anna, Kellen, Meagan, Nicole, Edward, Sabrina, Maria, her 37 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild and her many nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit from 4-7pm Monday April 28th 2025 at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am Tuesday April 29th ,2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 16550 Rock Creek Road, Thompson, Ohio. Contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to St. Patrick’s Church Women’s Guild or Hospice of the Western Reserve, PO Box 72101, Cleveland, Ohio 44192. Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com