Barbara Jean Eddins, loved her family, racing

Barbara Jean Eddins, 77, of Millsboro, and formerly of Gambrills, Md., passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2024. She was born May 22, 1947, to the late Lorraine Flannery (Buchanan).

Barbara was passionate about her career, especially in the restaurant management arena, where her talent for entertaining and cooking shined. As many know, she loved being the manager of the Patuxent Room at the Woodward and Lothrop (Woody’s Department Store). She brought culinary delight to many as she introduced a Sunday brunch club. Later, she warmed the hearts of locals with her endearing establishment, That LIL’ Store. She was enthralled being pit manager at Dorsey Speedway in Elkridge, Md. She enjoyed the racing and sharing her passion for the sport. It was a family affair with her grandparents, mother, and siblings all working and having fun together at the speedway. She was an avid follower of Dorsey Speedway on Facebook/Meta.

After retiring, Barbara made her way to Plantation Lakes in Millsboro, making it her home for the past nine years. Her neighborly love found a special place at Plantation Lakes. True to her generous spirit, Barbara transformed her garage into "Scruffy's Pub," a neighborhood bar that embodied her character, welcoming, vibrant, and ever so memorable. And she dearly loved feeding and caring for her friends at Plantation Lakes whom she called her second family. 

She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Bobby Frank Eddins; three siblings, Raymond Eugene Buchanan, Mary Lee Thome (Buchanan) and Peggy Lynne Miller; her beloved dog, Scruffy; and her pet cockatiels, Emily and Princess.

Barbara Eddins is survived by her devoted son, Joshua Ritter and his wife Jennifer; cherished daughters, Barbara McNealey, Lorie Martinez and her husband Joseph, and Kimberly Fleisher and her husband Johnathan; five sisters, Linda Lea Anderson, Sharon Ferguson, Karon Beyers, Laureen Estep and Cheryl Buchanan; three brothers, Robert Buchanan, Kenneth Stapler and Ronald Buchanan; six grandchildren, Brock Stahl, Cortland Stahl, Amanda Diolosa, Brandon Carpenter, Jordan Osborne and Matthew Fleisher; three great-grandchildren, Sophie, Logan and Abel; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, at Watson Funeral Home & Crematorium, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro.  A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m.

Sign Mrs. Eddins’ Life Memorial webpage at watsonfh.com.