Barbara Astor

Barbara Ann Astor

June 7, 1948 – April 13, 2026

Barbara Ann Astor, age 77, passed away April 13, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. She was born in Dayton and attended public schools in Jefferson Township, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1966. Barbara went on to attend Sinclair Community College and graduated from Wright State University with a BA in English.

An amazing and prolific writer, poet, and cartoonist, Barbara wrote many freelance articles and stories for the Dayton Daily News, Dayton Magazine, and other local publications, as well as national periodicals such as The Door magazine. Later, her passion became poetry, with over 100 poems published in literary reviews, poetry contests, and two chapbooks.

Barbara also sang in local bands with her twin sister Beverly in the late 1960s and early 1970s and were known for their tight harmonies.

For the last 31 years, Barbara made her home in Bellbrook, where she was well known as “the walking lady.” On her daily rounds through town, she would pick up litter that people threw out of their car windows. The City of Bellbrook honored her for community service with the 2014 Good Neighbor Award.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, John Astor and Leona (Roberts) Astor. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Warren Krass; brother, Denny Astor (Lisa); sisters, Beverly Smothers and Debbie Lolly (Joe); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Wednesday, April 29 from 12:30 to 2 PM, with a memorial service at 2 PM and an inurnment immediately following at Ellerton Cemetery.

We love you, Barbara, and you will remain forever in our hearts.