Barbara Ann (Bickhart) Haines

Barbara Ann Haines, 80, Berwick, PA, passed away in peace and comfort, surrounded by the love of her family at Geisinger Medical Center following a sudden affliction after years of failing health on the evening of Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

Barbara was born the second child, a daughter, to Albert J., Sr. and Miriam E. (Aurand) Bickhart in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County on September 12, 1937. The family later settled in Snyder County in Adams Township where they enjoyed the rolling hills and green pastures of the family dairy farm.

Barbara graduated from Beaver Vocational High School, class of 1955, where she participated on the basketball team, girls and mixed choruses, and was a cheerleader. After graduation, she began employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg followed by her employment at Ray Kline Motors in Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania as a bookkeeper.

On a beautiful fall Saturday, September 14, 1957, she was married to Donald F. Haines at Messiah Lutheran Church in Troxelville, PA by the Rev. Lee S. Deppen. She enjoyed 52 years of marriage with Donald until his death on December 6, 2009. In 1970 she moved from her home in Beaver Springs to Berwick with her husband and sons where she resided until her death.

Barbara was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where she sang in the church choir for many years, as well as serving on the church’s prayer chain. A strong believer in God, she leaned on her faith in Him during good times and bad. Regardless of the outcome, she never wavered in her faith. During her life she enjoyed traveling with her husband, restoring antiques, craft shows, cooking and baking and attending both of her sons’ events. One of her strongest traits was that she was meticulous when it came to the cleanliness and appearance of her home.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Craig A. Haines at home, with whom she resided with; Craig’s companion, Kathy Ball; and Eric D. Haines and his wife Sharon L. (Gallagher) Haines, Bloomsburg. Barbara is also survived by her grandchildren, Alec R. Haines and Megan E. Haines, the apples of her eye who affectionately called her “Gigi”. In spite of her health issues which limited her attendance at her grandchildren’s events throughout her later years, she always asked for news on the success and lives of Alec and Megan, her pride and joy.

Barbara will be missed by her brothers, their wives and their children:  Leon E. and Loretta E. Bickhart, Beaver Springs, PA, along with Kelly, Penny and Renee their spouses and children; Albert J., Jr. and Deanna S. Bickhart, Beavertown, PA, along with Leslie, Greta and Nathan, their spouses and children.  

Barbara is also survived by her late husband’s family, brother-in-law William M. Haines, wife Joy and son Andrew, McClure, PA, brother-in-law K. Lewis Ettinger (wife Norma, deceased) and children Stan, Doug and Sue, Selinsgrove, PA, and sister-in-law Marlene E. Shawver and daughter Bobbie Jo, Carlisle, PA.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Avenue, Berwick, PA with her pastor, Rev. David Kingsborough, celebrating her life in song, scripture and remembrance. Friends will be received from 5:00 PM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be held at Troxelville Union Cemetery, Troxelville, PA on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 11:00 AM.

Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Avenue, Berwick, PA.

“You left us beautiful memories—your love is still our guide, and although we cannot see you, you’re always by our side.”

Family and friends may send online condolences to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com. The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 1024 Market St., Berwick is handling arrangements.

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