Florence "Marie" Wetzel Barb

In Staunton, Virginia, on the evening of November 16, 2017, Florence Marie Wetzel Barb exchanged the trials and tribulations of this world for her heavenly crowns as she quietly drew her last breath and was gently embraced by the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Marie was born in Woodstock, Virginia on February 26, 1952. Her parents, Charles and Isabelle Wetzel, predeceased her. She is survived by her aunt Marguerite Bowers, several cousins, and many friends. Marie graduated from Central High School in Woodstock, Class of 1971. Her high school classmates were near and dear to her heart. She greatly enjoyed visiting with them, and she eagerly anticipated the periodic reunions her class held every five years. Opportunities to fellowship with classmates always brought Marie great joy, including an impromptu celebration held at the Walton and Smoot Drug Store when she arrived to pick up a prescription, and a surprise party given in her honor and held at French’s Cabin. She was especially blessed the day her high school friends helped to move her parents and clean out their house when her parents’ health forced them to relocate. Evidencing her deep affection for her friends, shortly before the Lord took her home, Marie had expressed a desire to be moved back to Woodstock because she hoped to see her classmates more often and she wanted to make it easier on them to visit her. If someone wanted to know how important Marie’s faith was to her, all they needed to do was to look at her bible. Falling apart because of frequent use, its pages were filled with notes and highlighting, as well as numerous tabs Marie had strategically placed to bookmark chapters and verses she deeply treasured. During the last two years of her life, which were spent in a Nursing Home, Marie and her roommate would pass the time by reading passages from God’s Word. Marie was a longtime member of Valley Baptist Church in Edinburg. She faithfully attended worship services, regularly participated in the church choir and sang solos from time to time. Sometimes riding with a friend, occasionally driving her Mustang, but more often than not walking from her house to the church, Marie was determined to be there when the church’s doors were open. Although never blessed with an abundance of worldly possessions, Marie was at all times grateful for what she had. She was a diligent steward and good financial manager. Despite her modest means she was a generous person. Marie loved to knit various items of clothing and then give them away. She excitedly looked forward to special events like birthdays and Christmas, and she held the memories of those times close to her heart. A celebration of Marie’s life will be held on Sunday, November 19th at 2:00 PM at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, VA, officiated by Reverend John Cooper. Burial will follow at the Bethel Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northwestern Community Service, 494 N. Main Street, Woodstock, VA 22664

Florence "Marie" Wetzel Barb

February 26, 1952 - November 16, 2017