Elaine T Barnum

Elaine T. Barnum, 87, of Columbus, died Thursday, July 2, 2015. Born to Oscar L. and Rita C. Thomas on October 12, 1927. Elaine was a proud graduate of the North High Class of 1945 and she received a B.A. in 1949 from The Ohio State University in International Relations. Elaine married James R. Barnum in 1949, and she was a homemaker while their children were at home, after which she worked 20 years for the Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society. An avid birdwatcher, excellent swimmer, wonderful cook and baker, and world traveler, Elaine cherished her family and friends. She was a member of the North High Class of 1945 Reunion Committee; the Ohio State University Class of 1949 Reunion Committee; Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society; Phi Beta Kappa; Alpha Phi Sorority; The Ohio State University President's Club; Overbrook Presbyterian Church; the Ohio History Connection; the National Audubon Society and its Ohio Chapter; and the Clintonville Woman's Club, where she was an active bridge player and a member of the Vagabonds travel group. Elaine was an enormous Whetstone High School supporter where she cheered her grandchildren in the choir, art shows, cross country, track, soccer, and baseball. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and remembered for her love for learning, strength of heart and spirit, love for her family, and incredible adventurous nature. She inspired integrity, sacrifice, learning, and exploration and had a most wonderful laugh. She is preceded in death by husband Jim in 1984; by her brother, Oscar L. "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. and sister-in-law/close friend, Alice; and brothers-in-law Frank L. Barnum, Jr. (Ruth) and William Barnum (Noreen). She is survived by children Rita Barnum (Dennis Lyons), Columbus; Mary Sue Barnum, Marengo; and Thomas J. (Mary) Barnum, Columbus; by grandchildren Jamie Roderer (Steve), Matthew Barnum and Zachary Barnum, all of Columbus; by nieces Patty Thomas (Fred Fletcher), Parker, CO; Carol Barnum, Columbus; and Peggy Barnum, Worthington; and by nephews Oscar L. "Chip" (Erin) Thomas, III; William (Diana) Barnum, Hilliard; and Gregory Barnum, CA. In addition to her extended family, she leaves behind a host of friends. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, July 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm at SOUTHWICK-GOOD & FORTKAMP FUNERAL CHAPEL, 3100 N. High St. in Clintonville when the family would love to receive family and friends. The memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High St. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Elaine to Overbrook Presbyterian Church; the Mortar Board Foundation, Mortar Board Scholarship Fund #605046, 1200 Chambers Road, Suite 201, Columbus, OH 43212; The Clintonville Woman's Club, 3951 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214; WOSU Classical Music Fund #313295, or WOSU Public TV Fund #313762 c/o WOSU Public Media, 2400 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, OH 43210 or to the charity of your choice. www.southwickfuneral.com

Elaine T Barnum

October 12, 1927 - July 2, 2015