Barbara Ann Sturgis

Barbara A. Sturgis - Obituary

Barbara Sturgis, 89, of Shillington, Pennsylvania, passed away June 17, 2024 in the Reading Hospital, Reading, Pennsylvania. She was the loving, devoted wife of Thomas D. Sturgis who survives. They were married September 3,1955.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ethel (Hand) Snyder. She was a lifelong member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Wyomissing, where she was active in the choir and regularly played piano for Sunday school and church services. For many years, she directed the Christmas cantatas and frequently played special piano music for weddings, funerals, and other local events.

Barbara graduated from the Wilson School District, Class of 1952. She then studied at the Reading Hospital School of Nursing and achieved her degree of Registered Nurse in 1955. Afterwards, she practiced nursing at the Reading Hospital until becoming a mother and full-time homemaker. Once her children had grown and left home, she worked two days a week at the family business, Tom Sturgis Pretzels, doing odds and ends in her office, in whatever capacity was needed. She continued working in this part-time role until days before her passing.

Her priorities in life were walking out her faith in God, taking care of her family in every way, and enjoying every interaction she had with others. She loved staying on top of family and friends' news and was a master at conversation and telling stories.

Over the years, Barbara and her husband, Tom, took many group tours and river cruises and enjoyed traveling in locations both in the United States and internationally. In her free time, she practiced the piano and read books, newspapers, and newsletters voraciously, often cutting out articles she would share with others, and assembling jigsaw puzzles with her husband. It was important to her to keep the home clean and tidy, the clothing ironed and mended, and simple but tasty meals prepared for the family.

In addition to her beloved husband of almost 69 years, Barbara is survived by a daughter, Jill M. Thomas, wife of Robert G. Thomas, Lewisburg and two sons, Bruce T. Sturgis, husband of Erin Sturgis, Wernersville, and Chris A. Sturgis, husband of Sherri D. Sturgis (deceased) of Downingtown. Other survivors include six grandchildren, Rachel Gordner, Lindsay Adams, Sarah Mekeel, Caleb Thomas, Zachary Sturgis, and Luke Sturgis, and seven great-grandchildren, Tori Gordner, Brianna Gordner, Jarrod Adams, Ellie Adams, Gabriel Mekeel, Claire Mekeel, and Wells Thomas. She has one brother, Timothy R. Snyder, husband of Stephanie A. Snyder, of Lititz. Thomas Sejersen is her Swedish exchange student "son."

Burial will be private for family members only, and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at sometime in the future.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891. The Kuhn Funeral Home in West Reading, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.