Ida Belle Barlock, age 93, of New Philadelphia died peacefully, in her residence, while in the care of Aultman Hospice, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Born in Somerton, Belmont County, Ohio on May 24, 1933, a daughter of the late Herman and Luella Mae (Albus) Ensley.

At a young age Ida was the owner and operator of the Beauty A GoGo on the Boulevard which she later sold and was renamed Mane Event. In 1994, Ida began working for the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections retiring in 2008. In March of 2010, Ida returned as a Board Member and served until 2017.

A lifelong Democrat, Ida believed deeply in the importance of public service and civic engagement. She devoted countless hours to the Democratic Party, serving as Executive Chair of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Party, President of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Women, and for many years as a member of the County's Democratic Party Central and Executive Committees, roles which she actively maintained until her passing.

Throughout her years of service, Ida proudly represented Tuscarawas County as both a delegate and alternate to the Democratic National Convention and was selected numerous times to serve as a delegate to the Ohio Democratic Party State Convention. Her dedication and leadership were recognized with the Tuscarawas County Democratic Party's Gertrude Donahey Award.

While Ida was passionate about supporting candidates at the local, state, and national levels, she found her greatest joy in encouraging others to become involved. She helped recruit candidates to seek public office and served as a mentor to many young political leaders, especially young women, teaching them the value of public service, grassroots campaigning, and standing up for what they believed in. Her influence reached far beyond any single election, as she inspired generations of public servants to lead with integrity, conviction, and compassion.

Her commitment extended across Ohio through her work with the Ohio Federation of Democratic Women, where she served as a regional officer, continuing her lifelong mission of strengthening both her party and the communities she loved.

Ida is survived by her son, William Ellwood, Jr. of New Philadelphia; a grandson, Sean K. Ellwood of California; a brother, Ken (Bev) Ensley of Massillon; a sister, Dorothy (Larry) Wilson of New Philadelphia as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

In addition to her parents, Ida was preceded in death by her husband, James B. Barlock; sisters, Augusta VanSickle, and Loretta Zito and three infant brothers.

In honoring Ida’s wishes, she will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Dover Burial Park with no public visitations or services. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.