Laura Miller Barb

Laura Florence Miller Barb, 94, was born September 22, 1920 in Jerome. She was the daughter of the late Pius Martin & Rebecca Nesselrodt Miller of Jerome. Laura passed away peacefully, February 23, 2015 in her home. She was surrounded by her family who has kept vigil over her for the last several weeks. Her son, Robert M. Barb has cared for her for the past 25 years. As her health declined, Robert and Rebecca Jenkins (her Grand-daughter) have given her 24 hour care and tended to her daily needs. The funeral will be 11:00 a.m. February 26, 2015 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church-Jerome with Pastor Jeff May officiating. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour before Church Service. Laura will be sadly missed by her family and friends. She was a mentor to her grand-children, and great grand-children, not only in reading to them but also by taking them on nature walks-teaching them about the different plants, trees, and animals, and instilling a Faith of her Lord and Savior. Her late husband, James H. Barb was the love of her life and soul mate. Surviving children are Hubert H. Barb (Mary) of Charlottesville, VA, Carl H. Barb (Brenda) of Boston, VA., Robert M. Barb, Curtis W. Barb (Anna) of Edinburg, VA, and daughter, Geraldine F. Gunter (Benjamin) of Nebo, NC. Her surviving siblings are Sidney Miller (Wanda) & Warren Miller of Roanoke, VA, Gordon Miller (Ruth) of Winchester, and Nina Perry of Edinburg, VA. She was predeceased by sisters, Charlotte Dellinger, Marie Kagey, Sarah Barb, and brothers Miley Miller, Stanley Miller, Staylor Aldine Miller, Joby Miller, and George Miller. She is survived by 13 grand-children, 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Laura was a Loving Mother and Wife, nurturing her children. She cared for her Uncle Israel Miller through his illness and declining health and was by him until his death. She also cared for her Mother, Rebecca Miller, and brother Aldine Miller till their deaths. Laura cared for her family not only through illness, but also through life. She took care of their homes, did their garden work, mended their clothing, prepared their food, and preserved their food. She did all this with a Loving heart, expecting no praise or honor. Laura was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church-Jerome where she participated in St. Paul's Sewing Circle, Lutheran Church Women, Women of the ELCA, Choir member, and Sunday School teacher. She was also a member of the Shenandoah AARP, and the Modern Woodman. She had been cited by the American Red Cross for giving gallons of blood. She worked for Byrd-Fredrickson Orchard in Timberville, VA where she sorted apples, and held various other duties. She worked at the Alum Springs Hotel, Shenandoah County Community Workers (Bird Haven Toy Factory), was a factory worker for Blue Bell Sewing Factory in Mount Jackson, and work as a cook for many years at Shrinemont in Orkney Springs, VA. Pall bearers will be Alan Dodson, Gary Dellinger, Robert Baker, Richard Barb, John Coffman, and Ronald Miller. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Sentara Hospice Care, 2000 Berry Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, or to St Paul's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 4109 Jerome Road, Edinburg, VA 22824.

Laura Miller Barb

February 24, 2015