Barbara Stephenson Lyter, Class of 1949

Barbara Stephenson Lyter ’49 died on Oct. 5, 2018. She was born on Oct. 24, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana to George Herbert Stephenson and Martha Karlyn Clauser Stephenson. Barbara graduated from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio in 1945 and received her bachelor’s in Psychology from Otterbein in 1949. During her time as a student she was active Kappa Phi Omega “Onyx” Sorority and was known for her excellence in swimming and tennis. Following graduation, Barbara married fellow Otterbein graduate, John Lyter ‘50 in 1950 and worked at the Westerville Public Opinion.

Later in life Barbara remained active in the Otterbein community as a member and officer in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Otterbein Women’s Club and a volunteer at the Hanby House in Westerville. She loved the theater and attended concerts and performances at Otterbein. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Lyter ’50 and is survived by her brother, Richard Stephenson; and her children, John Lyter (Barbara), Richard Lyter (Cynthia), and Anne Bates (Tim ‘87). Grandchildren include Jennifer Wissel (Bryce), James Lyter, Joe Dils (Kacee), Jessica Ball (Chad), Julia Bates, Tim Bates and Jack Bates. Great grandchildren include Cyrus Wissel, Rylee and Parker Dils.