Updated March 25, 2025
Honoring Loved Ones Through Generous Support
Kingwood has been honored to be the beneficiary of gifts given in tribute and memory of family, friends, and loved ones over several decades. Whether recognizing someone who loves to garden, was or is a Kingwood volunteer or member, or just appreciated the beauty that a visit to the Gardens would bring, Kingwood Center Gardens is an ideal choice to express gratitude to the special individuals in our lives.
For those who have previously recognized someone special through a tribute gift, we continue to thank you. Truly those gifts are too numerous to begin listing today, but they are no less appreciated. Thank you for understanding.
Should you have questions, concerns, or corrections to this listing of tribute gifts, we invite you to contact the Development & Marketing Department at [email protected]
Tribute Benches
In memory of: Maralee Frost
Donated by: Roberta Nash and Maralyn Sagle
Location: Duck Pond
Year: 2022
In memory of: Richard and Barbara Poffenbaugh
Donated by: Cathy Testa and Deb Ubry
Location: Terrace Garden
Year: 2024
Poffenbaugh Family Tribute Statement
Cathy and Deb stated that their parents married in 1958. “One of their favorite places to visit was Kingwood Center Gardens. Their love of gardening and the history of this beautiful estate made them feel so happy. Barbara loved the decorating classes during holidays while Richard loved his garden talks, fall harvest shows, and leading the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club for 20 years.
A bench signifies sitting and admiring your surroundings or gaining conversation with someone special. Our parents loved walking around Kingwood and admiring the ducks, peacocks and nature everywhere. We hope this bench will bring sunshine, joy, and peace to all who sit down for a minute or hours at Kingwood. May you always feel the warmth and kindness of our parents on this beautiful bench.”
2025
Memorial donations given in memory of:
Gretchen Emery
Elsa Giess
Patsy Ann Himes
Formal Gardens Restoration Project donations given in honor & memory of:
Albert Allen, Sr. and Albert Allen, Jr.
Bill and Jeanne Flanegan
Elsa Geiss
Marilyn Horning
Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Isch
Crystal Kay Kemp
Erma M. Oswalt
Barbara and Richard Poffenbaugh
Donna Weaver
2024
Memorial donations given in memory of:
Mr. Paul Alton
Barbara “Bobbie” Ballenger
Cheryl Benner
E. H. Berger
Dr. Antoinette Eaton
Ronald V. Hedges
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Isch
Karen Kelley
Richard E. Poffenbaugh
Colleen Shambre
Francis H. Shuler, Jr.
Martha Schwartz
Sandra Stricker
Formal Gardens Restoration Project donations given in honor & memory of:
Barbara “Bobbie” Ballenger
Robert Baxter
Opal Cope
Marjorie and Bill Court
Donna Daniel
Vernon E. Davis
James L. & Jane B. Eberly and
Robert L. & Ann S. Ernst
Eberly & Ernst Family Statement
As Mansfield natives and the son and daughter of native Mansfielders, whose families date back to the earliest days of Mansfield and Richland County, we are proud to support Kingwood’s Formal Gardens Restoration Project. Our interest in this project is motivated by our desire to contribute to the legacy of our hometown by honoring our parents in a way that is meaningful both to them and to us.
Kingwood is a perfect match for these goals. Linda is a lifelong gardener and supporter of public gardens, and our parents had a strong interest in and were supporters of Kingwood during their lifetime. To honor Robert L. and Ann S. Ernst and James L. and Jane B. Eberly, we are proud to support the Formal Gardens Restoration Project.
Charles & Linda Eberly
John Fernyak
Myrtle Geese
Chuck Gleaves
Sally Goin
Ida Ischey
Karen Kelley
Harvey Knell
Parents of James and Andrea Lutz
Richard Martin
Jody Mawhorr
Margaret McLean
Neil McNeill
Phyllis McPhern
Fred L. Ranck, Jr.
Mary Kay Ransdell
James Rodock
Ida Schueler
Alta Steinbrey
Howard Stotts
Marion Wisdom
Robert Younger