Barbara Lee Mikeal

Barbara Lee Hall Mikeal, 88, of California, MD, died peacefully at home on October 5, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Barbara was born on December 21, 1933, in South Charleston, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Flossie Marie Watkins Hall and Theodore Emery Hall, Sr. Barbara married her loving husband Clyde Mikeal in Great Mills on November 19, 1965. She helped manage Clyde’s Country Music Bar and Restaurant in Great Mills after their marriage and they lived on the premises. Clyde’s hosted many country and bluegrass shows. Barbara also worked at Lexington Park Dry Cleaners for many years. Barbara and Clyde eventually moved to the Take It Easy Ranch in Callaway, MD. During these years, she helped run the concession stands at the ranch during softball games and other events. Barbara also baby sat for many years while staying home to raise her only daughter. Once April entered middle school, Barbara joined the workforce again as a dietary assistant at Amber House, now Chesapeake Shores, nursing facility on Great Mills Road. She worked there for 29 years until her retirement at age 80. Even in retirement Barbara was busy canning corn, green beans, tomatoes, etc., from the garden. She believed in setting aside produce for winter months and readily shared her bounty with family and friends. Barbara spent many hours teaching April how to can. Barbara got a kick out of young people; she and Alexxis Stanalonis became friends forever when Alexxis would burst through the door looking for candy. Barbara always kept the candy dishes filled for all who came to visit. Barbara was an animal lover and had many pets over the years. She leaves behind her last dog, Star, who was great company on daily walks. Star snuggled beside Barbara during her final days at home. Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Clyde William Mikeal; parents, Flossie and Theodore Hall Sr.; brother Theodore Emery Hall, Jr.; and son-in-law Russell (Rusty) Tarleton. She is survived by her daughter April Mikeal Tarleton of California and grandson Travis Russell Tarleton of California. Barbara is also survived by nephew, Michael (Debbie) Hall of Chaptico, and nieces, Christy (Donald) Morgan of Mechanicsville and Tammy Pippin (Chuck) of Hollywood. Barbara also leaves behind her great nephews and nieces and their spouses: Bobby (Missie) Hall of Hollywood, Chasity (Anthony) Goddard of Valley Lee, Deana (Steve) Click of Avenue, Jessica (Jeff) Cardello of Hollywood, and Tony (Beverly) Buckler of Leonardtown. And Alexxis Stanalonis who affectionally referred to Barbara as “My BFF”, Best Friend Forever. A Service of Remembrance will be held Sunday October 23rd from 2-5p.m. at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 46900 South Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park. A time to gather with family and friends to share stories and reminisce. Light fare will be served. All are welcome. The family will receive friends at Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home on Monday, October 24th from 5-8 pm. A prayer/funeral service officiated by Pastor James L. Bell whom Barbara met while working at Chesapeake Shores will be held at 7 pm. Interment will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery - Cheltenham, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623, at 2:30 pm Tuesday, October 25. All are welcome. Pallbearers will be great nephews Bobby Hall, Tony Buckler, grandson Travis Tarleton, great great nephew Trent Dean, and Barbara’s next-to-favorite guys behind Rusty, Joe Miesowitz, and Jeff Redman. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of St. Mary’s 44724 Hospice Lane, Callaway, MD 20620; Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, 22855 Lawrence Ave, Leonardtown, MD 20650; or Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1440, California, MD 20619.