Barbara Elizabeth Haydu

Barbara Elizabeth Haydu, age 93 of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home on February 13, 2025. She was born in Toledo on June 22, 1931, to James W. and Fanny E. (Ellsworth) Jones. Barbara graduated from Scott High School in 1949. For a time, she was employed at The Goldberg-O’Dwyer Company in Toledo. On February 23, 1952, she was married to Robert Haydu.

Barbara was always known for her excellent cooking and the love she had for family. She often shared memories of her childhood such as summers at her Grandma Ellsworth’s home and grandma’s chicken and homemade noodles; going to the five and dime store in Clyde, Ohio; and feeding the pigs and chickens to name a few. One of her favorite quotes was “Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.”

She had a great interest in genealogy and loved to share her findings with her family or anyone who was interested. Barbara once wrote: “History is a record of man’s past and not a thing can be done about it. However, we can learn. We can keep the good and try to correct the things we dislike.” She found contentment and joy in researching her family tree. Barbara also enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, playing bridge, reading, traveling, and bowling.

Surviving is her daughter, Susan Elizabeth Pohlman; son, Eric Jonathan Haydu; grandchildren, Brent Haydu, Shannon Haydu, and Elizabeth Pohlman; great-grandchildren, Layla Walker, Timmothy Walker, Izabella Pohlman, Sophia Sheridan, and Valentino Quintanilla; and sisters, Marjorie Hameed and Florence Steinem. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Haydu; son, Bradley Jonathan Haydu; and brother, James E. Jones.

Family and friends will be received at the Newcomer Funeral Home (Southwest Chapel), 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Ohio, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Ft. Meigs Union Cemetery, Perrysburg, Ohio. Memorial contributions in memory of Barbara E. Haydu may be made to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, specifically Library/Genealogy, either online at www.rbhayes.org/forms/make-a-gift/ or by mail or phone at www.rbhayes.org/donate/gift-options/. Envelopes will also be provided at the funeral home.