Barbara Bassett Gearhart

January 5, 1922 - July 22, 2021

Barbara Bassett Gearhart, age 99, passed away at her residence on July 22, 2021 in Tallahassee. Barbara was born the eldest child of seven to Jean and Charles Bassett in Buffalo, New York on January 5, 1922. Her youngest sister, Deborah survives. She attended the Elmwood School and upon graduation was awarded the Steinberg Cup for best all around student. Barbara attended the Madeira School in Fairfax, Virginia and graduated in 1940. In April of 1941, Barbara married Russell McKillen. They had two sons, Tom and Jeff and adopted two daughters, Catherine and Melissa. Catherine passed away in 1997, the rest survive. Barbara resumed her education in 1945 and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1959 from the University of Toledo with a degree in Elementary Education and also received her Master’s in Education. She went on to be certified in School Psychology and was employed by the Toledo Public Schools. In 1972 Barbara divorced Russell and moved to Rochester, New York to marry Richard Gearhart. When Mr. Gearhart retired from Eastman Kodak in 1979, the couple moved to Tallahassee where they remained. Mr. Gearhart died in 2007 and she eventually moved to Mulligan Park. Her passing was felt by many in that community with warm and loving memories. A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Mrs. Gearhart may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2810 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.