Barbara Jean (Kirby) Dunmead

Barbara Jean (Kirby) Dunmead, 92 of Zanesville passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Traditions of Zanesville after a long and impactful life. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Barbara was born in Zanesville on August 7, 1933, to Homer and Nellie (Knapp) Kirby. She graduated from Adamsville High School in 1951 and married the love of her life, Donald L. Dunmead, on October 4, 1953.

All who knew Barbara knew that she devoted her life to God, her family, and her church. She was a faithful member of Market Street Baptist Church for 79 years, where she taught Sunday school, led the youth group, participated in Women’s Circle and served in a variety of leadership roles on the church board. Barbara was also actively involved with the American Baptist Women’s Ministries at both the local and state levels and was a longtime volunteer with West Muskingum Schools.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Judy Wilson of Zanesville, Diana (Jamey) Kuhn of Zanesville, and Steve (Renee) Dunmead of Fairhope, AL; her nine grandchildren, Stephenie Wilson of Zanesville, Celeste (Scott) Moles of Phoenix, Joseph Wilson of Phoenix, Julia Wilson of Penn Yan, NY, Matthew Dunmead of Uniontown, OH, Jordan Dunmead of Chicago, Molly (Patrick) Epler of Lancaster, Christian (Stephanie) Sheline of Grove City, Christopher (Cammie) Bunting of Cambridge; four great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Jaden, Kayden (Sage) and Kordell; one great-great-grandchild, Kai; as well as many nieces and nephews. Barbara was very proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed following their various activities, celebrating their successes, playing games and making memories with them.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Lloyd & Dollie Dunmead; her siblings and their spouses, Betty (Robert) Holdcroft, Bonnie (Don) Cain, and Jim (Mary Lou) Kirby; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Virginia (William) Watson, and her sister-in-law Betty Jean Dunmead.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Traditions of Zanesville, Genesis Hospital, and Genesis Hospice Care for their professional and compassionate care of Barbara and her family.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE and one hour prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with Pastor Brian Owens officiating. Barbara will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery in Sonora, Ohio.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s name to the Fellowship Fund at Market Street Baptist Church, 140 North 6th Street, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.