Barbara McArtor Obituary

Barbara Ann (Van Epp) McArtor passed away surrounded by her loving family, entering into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ she faithfully served. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and artist, Barbara's life was guided every day by her deep faith in Christ. Her family remembers her for her kindness, creativity, and devotion she shared so freely.

Art was not simply a talent for Barbara – it was the driving force of her life. She was a gifted and passionate art teacher, sharing her skills, patience and imagination with countless students over the years. Barbara possessed an extraordinary ability to bring beauty into the world through illustrating, drawing, painting , sewing and design. She created clothing by hand, crafted dolls with meticulous detail, illustrated children's books and worked across virtually every artistic medium. Her hands were rarely still, and her creativity was endless.

Barbara was born October 2, 1943, Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away on December 22, 2025 in Bluffton, SC . She was the oldest of five siblings and four step-siblings. From an early age she embodied responsibilities, leadership, and care for others.

Barbara is predeceased by her parents Lowell H. and Harryette Van Epp, her stepmother Betty Fowler and nephew Kris Mueller. She is survived by her son David McArtor (Michelle) of Medina, Ohio and her daughter Kathryn (Patrick) Wright of Bluffton, SC. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Kenneth and Madison McArtor and Grace, Jackson, Abram, Boaz, Genesis, and Shiloh Wright. Barbara also leaves behind 2 sisters Margaret Van Epp and Patricia (Tom) Wolf, 2 brothers Steven Van Epp and John Van Epp (Shirley), 2 step sisters Adrienne (Paul) Mueller and Georgia Beauchamp and 2 stepbrothers Dean (Shirley) Fowler and John Fowler. She will also be missed by many of her beloved nieces and nephews.

The family intends to hold a Celebration of Life to honor Barbara at a date, time, and location to be determined in the summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made to her church, Community Bible Church, 683 Paris Island Gateway Beaufort, SC 29906 in Barbara's memory.

A verse Barbara held near her heart:

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31