Barbara Elaine Yelton James, 71, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2009, at Heartland of Bellefontaine. She was born on May 13, 1938, in Bellefontaine to the late Vernar and Lucille (Major) Yelton. On May 5, 1956, 53 years ago, Reverend Lloyd Harris married Barbara and Harold Foster James in Mt. Victory, Ohio. 

 A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she is survived by her husband; six children, Robert (Tammy) James, David (Diane) James, both of Belle Center, Ohio, Betty (Tom) Bodi of Huntsville, Ohio, Nancy (Phil) Ritter, Bonnie Sharp and Dennis James, all of Bellefontaine; and a special nephew, whom she raised, Vern �Butch� (Susie) Yelton of Huntsville.  Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, Cody and Alyssa James, Joshua and Shane James, Kerri, Kristopher and Kaleb Ritter, Tiffany (Brian) Phillips, Patricia Bodi, Melinda (Robert) Rosignol, Jonni (Nick) Boggs, Jeremy Sharp, and Traig James; three great grandchildren, Lindsey and Lilly Phillips, and Keith James; special sisters-in-law, Joanne Yelton of Big Springs, Ohio, and Jean and Sandy Yelton both of Bellefontaine; a brother-in-law, Harold Coy of Milford Center, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was a grandson, Justin Phillips James Ritter; three brothers, Vernar, Robert and Charles Yelton; and two sisters, Blanch Coy and Betty Vermillion.

Barbara worked at the Bellefontaine Lutheran Thrift Store for over 30 years, and at one time was the manager. She loved to cook, play bingo and go shopping. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them at family gatherings. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and family members.

Reverend Philip Wolf will conduct the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 31, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine. Calling hours are from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2009.  Burial will be in the Huntsville Cemetery, Huntsville, Ohio.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com