Barbara Mae (Enck) Charvat

Barbara M. Charvat, 90, of Toledo, OH, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at The Lakes of Monclova. Barb was born in Toledo, November 7, 1934, to parents Theodore and Nora (Matzinger) Enck, and they preceded her in death. Barb was a 1952 Graduate of Libbey High School. During high school she worked at the Kaufman’s Bakery to help support her family. Upon graduating from high school, she went to work as a stenographer at the Great Lakes Terminal Warehouse in Toledo.   After a pause in her work career to raise her children, she slowly returned to work outside the home.  Starting out as the neighborhood Avon Lady she moved to demonstrating various food products at local grocery stores.  Her infectious friendliness and ability to talk to people led to an offer to become a sales representative for Coca Cola, a job she enjoyed until retirement in the 1990’s. In 1954 Barb was taken by her friend Mary, to the old Twin Oaks bowling alley to be introduced to Jim Charvat. Jim was bowling with Mary’s boyfriend at the time.

Jim and Barb were married in 1956 and spent 61 wonderful years together until he passed away in 2018. A woman of faith, Barbara was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church, Toledo.  At Grace she was known for her hospitality.  Barb made it her calling to ensure that everyone coming through the doors at Grace were warmly welcomed whether they were a first-time visitor or life-long member.  In addition, she served several terms on the Church Council, worked diligently on many committees and organized many receptions over the years.  That work included many hours on the telephone both to recruit ushers or simply to call to check in with members who she hadn’t seen at church services to ensure they were ok. Barb and her family enjoyed trips to Myrtle Beach visiting over 30 times along with annual trips to Northern Michigan which will always be remembered. The first priority in Barb’s life was her family.  She is survived by daughter Beth Charvat, sons Dennis (Sue) and David Charvat; granddaughters Laura Nicole (Britani) Williams and Jennifer (Brent) Small and the most recent addition to the family, great granddaughter Lorelai Small.

Friends may call the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, OH, Friday, July 18th from 4 – 8 PM. The Funeral Ceremony will be conducted at the Grace Lutheran Church, Toledo, Saturday, July 19th at 11 AM, with visitation at the church beginning at 10AM.  Barbara will be laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park.

The family wants to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff at The Lakes of Monclova for their compassion in caring for Barbara and her family members during the past few months. Also, thank you to the loving care given to her by Heartland Hospice.   Family and friends are invited to view Barb’s Tribute Video on the funeral home website.

Those wishing to offer memorials in Barb’s memory are asked to consider Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe St. Toledo, OH, 43613. Or the Lakes of Monclova 6935 Monclova Rd, Maumee, OH 43537.  Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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