Barbara Jean Spatz

Barbara Jean Spatz, 81, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Born in Windber, PA, on January 8, 1942, she was the daughter of Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Beulah Demaris (Kein) Hackenberg. Barb was the loving wife of James Kauffman Spatz, Jr., with whom she shared 59 years.

After completing her high school education at Emmaus High School in 1959, she pursued her academic journey at Albright College, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education. Following her undergraduate studies, she continued her education with post-graduate studies at Penn State, Kutztown, and Millersville Universities. Equipped with her knowledge and passion for teaching, she embarked on a fulfilling career as a Family and Consumer Science educator, dedicating over 33 years to shaping young minds.

Broughal Jr. High School, Reading School District, Wilson Southern Jr. High School, Exeter Senior High School and Muhlenberg High School were lucky to have Barb on their educational staff until her retirement in 2002. In these districts, she served as not only an instructor, but a supervisor as well. Barb also worked for RACC as their Coordinator of Continuing Education. Her dedication to her career led her to be nominated for the Teacher of the Year by the Wilson School district.

In addition to her role as a teacher, Barb made valuable contributions to a range of other programs in the school system. She took charge of designing costumes for musicals, served as a football and basketball cheerleading advisor, supervised after school detention, and even acted as the official scorer for basketball games.

Outside of her career, Barb was a food and clothing judge at various local fairs, including Oley, Kutztown, and Reading. She was also a sewing consultant with Grants Department Store, judged 4-H fashion sewing reviews, and competed in Women's Club, Boscov's, and Singer Company sewing contests. Barb served as a judge in the sewing division of the PA Junior Miss Contest. She found joy in volunteering with Meals on Wheels and presented nutrition programs at senior citizen houses in Reading during the 1970s.

Barb possessed profound wisdom that served as her guiding light in life including:

1. Be respectful to other people

2. Get all details before making decisions

3. Be understanding

4. Work hard and try to meet all challenges

5. Save and spend money wisely

In addition to her husband, Barb is survived by her son, Scott A., husband of Nicole Harner Spatz, of Sinking Spring; her sister-in-law, Lucy Reed Hackenberg, of Hollidaysburg; a granddaughter, Erin; and a grandson, Ryan.

Barb was predeceased by her siblings: Shirley Norman, Charles Ray Hackenberg, and Nona Elizabeth Gemi.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10AM with a time of sharing beginning at 11AM at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, 739 Penn Avenue West Reading, PA 19611. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the West Lawn Owls at 2324 Monroe Avenue West Lawn, PA 19609.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.KuhnFuneralHomes.com.