Barbara J. (Zygmont) Schlette

Barbara Joan Zygmont Schlette (aka ‘Ziggy’) passed away from this life on April 26, 2024, with her family by her side after her second courageous battle with cancer. She was 89 years old.

Barb is survived by her three children, Nancy (nee Ralph Lee), Bill (nee Christen Ebert), and Steven; her brother, Edward; her grandchildren, JR, Ashley, Andy, and Nataleigh; and four great-grandchildren, Shaleigh, Aubrey, Jaxon, and Noah. In addition to her immediate family, Barb leaves behind an incredible extended family and many, many friends. Barb is preceded in death by her husband Wilbur (2004) and her son Johnny (1969). We are confident they are joyfully reunited right now.

Barbara was born to John Zygmont (police commissioner) and Victoria (nee Curylo) Zygmont (nurse) on June 8th, 1934, in the town of Meriden, Connecticut.  Barb grew up with her older brother Edziu in a quaint home on Elm Street, not far from St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where she attended mass every Sunday and all of grade school... as Barb would say… “back when the nuns ran the show”.  The Zygmont family later moved to Miller Avenue on the outskirts of town where Barb lived during her high school years.  After graduating from Meriden High School in 1952, Barb attended nursing school at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown Connecticut.

In 1953 during nursing school, Barb met Wilbur Schlette and the relationship grew from there.  After nursing school, circumstances led to Barb accepting a position at Southern New England Telephone Company where she worked during those early years dating Wilbur. Six weeks after Wilbur's return to the States from serving in Okinawa and after three years of dating and courtship, Barb accepted Wilbur’s marriage proposal and they were wed on May 12th, 1956.

Barb left the phone company to have their first child, Nancy Lynn, born in April 1957.  Exactly two years later, Billy (Wilbur Fisk III) was born.  In 1960, Wilbur and Barb purchased their first home within a quaint neighborhood where John Paul (September 1962) and Steven Chauncey (March 1966) joined the family.

Barb was home tending to the house and kids while Wilbur was working as a foreman at New Departure Hyatt and growing his career.  Once Nancy and Billy became students at Nathan Hale Grade School, Barb became a member of the Parent Teachers Association, initiating her lifelong dedication to serving the community.

With Wilbur’s promotion at New Departure, the Schlette Family packed up the house and drove to their new home in Huron in January 1969.  It wasn’t long before Barb became engaged with her new community… She joined St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Huron where she became active with the Women’s Auxiliary.  Barb volunteered for a time in the school cafeteria and also lectured at church. For a time she also taught younger grades religion instruction.  Barb also joined as a member of the Welcome Wagon and was an Avon Representative for 26 years.  Barb was voted Huron Booster of the Year in the seventies.  Barb began her support of the local bowling scene by becoming the Secretary of the Huron Bowling Association at Riverview Lanes for a couple of years before its merger with the Sandusky Bowling Association, soon becoming its Director.  Barb received a certification to coach Junior bowling and did so for 13 years (beginning in the early 1970s).  Barb also participated in several women’s and couples leagues over the years where she served in such positions as Women’s Bowling Secretary and President.  Barb was inducted into the Sandusky Women’s Bowling Association (SWBA) Hall of Fame in 2004.

Barb’s 34 year real estate career began with John Halter Realty in 1984 at 50 years old.  Upon John’s retirement and closure of his agency, Barb moved to Russel Realty in 2007 through 2009.  In 2009 at 75 years old, Barb moved her services over to Berkshire Hathaway Realty (originally Prudential) until her (reluctant) retirement in 2018 at 84 years old.  In 2015, Barb became a Hall of Fame inductee into the Firelands Association of Realtors.

In addition to her community services and career, Barb was also considered a very good golfer back in the day, along with being an excellent bowler. There were also those earlier years in Ohio of participation in couples bridge clubs or simply staying at home and challenging Wilbur to games of cribbage.

Shortly before Wilbur’s retirement in 1987, Wilbur and Barb purchased their current residence on Ridgeview Drive in the River’s Edge community.  They were particularly blessed to obtain a property that backs up to the nature haven along Mud Brook, providing Barb with the great pleasure of being entertained by the egrets, herons, bald eagles, foxes, and squirrels to her final days.

Barb enjoyed continued travel during her retirement years - Annual winters with her son Bill and his wife Christen in Scottsdale Arizona.  Side trips to many California locals, Mexico, and of course all around the state of Arizona. Frequent trips to Orlando Florida to visit her grandson JR and his partner Dan.  Side trips included Caribbean cruises, island hopping, and other events and activities. There were also many trips to Connecticut for High School Class Reunions and to visit family and old friends. Barb also attended family weddings in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Orleans.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 4 - 6 PM at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main Street, Huron 44839. Mass will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main Street, Huron with burial to follow at Scott Cemetery, Huron Avery Road. A Celebration of Barb's Life will also be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 1 - 4 PM at The Huron Eagles Club, 2902 Cleveland Road West, Huron.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to either Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky 44870, and/or the Huron Firefighters, 417 Main Street, Huron, in Barb’s name. Barb and her family would appreciate either or both.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara J. (Zygmont) Schlette, please visit our floral store.