Barbara A. Andrews, 76, of Myerstown, died Sunday, March 10, 2013 in her residence. She was the wife of James P. Andrews. They were married on August 4, 2000 and celebrated twelve years of marriage.
Born in West Reading, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Mildred M. (Hoch) Grimes. She was a 1954 graduate of Hamburg High School; where she was a Drum Majorette and named May Queen. Barbara also took courses at University of Maryland. While residing in Maryland, she was a middle school secretary. Barbara taught herself typing and shorthand. She continued with office management jobs; working as administrative secretary for Reitech Corporation, Laureldale. She last worked for the YWCA in Lebanon.
Barbara was a member of Frieden's Lutheran Church, Myerstown, where she was a choir member and Stephen minister through the church. She was a former Girl Scout leader. Barbara enjoyed gardening, reading, walking, hiking, bicycling and nature. She loved animals and will be missed by her dogs, Abby and Hunter.
Surviving in addition to her husband is one son: Barry C. Kessler, husband of Diane L. (Reber) Kessler, in Macedonia; three daughters: Deborah A. (Kessler), wife of Barry N. Knight; and Cynthia L. (Kessler), wife of Fred L. Parsons, Jr., both of Glen Burnie, MD; and Marjorie D. (Kessler), wife of Douglas Staller, Necedah, Wisconsin; one step-son: David M. Andrews, Lebanon; and one step-daughter: Jennifer S. (Andrews), wife of Brian Weaver, Lancaster. Barbara is also survived by her eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two on the way; and one brother: Kenneth L. Grimes, husband of Barbara A. (Kemmerling) Grimes, Upper Tulpehocken Twp.
She was predeceased by a sister: Nancy G. (Grimes) Moll, widow of Dr. Thomas B. Moll, died December 10, 2012.
Services will be on Thursday at 1:00 pm from Frieden's Lutheran Church, 301 W. Washington Avenue, Myerstown, PA 17067. Burial will follow in Fairview (Belleman's) Cemetery, Centre Twp., Berks Co. A viewing will be held from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 65 S. 4th Street, Hamburg (off street parking in rear) on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and at the church Thursday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Good Samaritan Hospice, 1503 Quentin Road, Lebanon, PA 17042, attn: Karen Kressley, memo: For Hospice. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
