Barbara L. Slenker

SPRY – Barbara “Barb” (Stegner) Slenker, died peacefully at UPMC Memorial Hospital at the age of 87. She was the wife of the late Dale E. Slenker, Sr.

A Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion with her pastor, The Rev. Jim Polanzke officiating. A viewing will be held from 1-2:30 PM Sunday at the Funeral Home. Private burial will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. Barb’s Tribute Service will be webcast on her obituary page at www.HeffnerCare.com

Barb was the daughter of the late William and Erma (Markey) Stegner. She lived her entire life in Spry and enjoyed reminiscing about the old days. She had a wealth of local history stored in her memory bank. Barb was better known as “Barbie” to the many children she babysat over the years. Her index card box is jammed full of names and information. She often referred to herself as the “Old Lady in the Shoe”, the house at times overflowing with children. Barb was humble. She held no degrees but was an expert in many fields; creative play, potty training, pulling teeth, bandaging wounds and mending hearts of all ages.

To those who know her, Barb was a compassionate caregiver, attentive listener, confidante, and ever smiling friend. To the community, she was the Fire Chief’s wife. She always said Dale married the fire company before her. To her neighbors, she was the lady with the always changing costumed geese. To her Christ Lutheran Church family, she was a voice in the choir, S.S. teacher, Mrs. Claus, and “tell me how I can help” member. To her nieces and nephews, she was a birthday song on the other end of the phone line. To her grandchildren, she was the cutest grammy ever, and the best grilled cheese and Lipton soup maker. Always ready with a Yes; Yes, I will ride that ride; Yes, I will get a picture on the Farm Show Bull; Yes, we can watch I Love Lucy all day. To her children, she was simply everything we could have asked for and more. Barb’s last words in phone conversations with family were “I’m going to see the Lord.” She loved Jesus and was so ready to go.

Barb was preceded in death by sisters, Grace Boyer and Ruth Paules; brothers, Larry Stegner and James Stegner; and a son-in-law, Craig Ludwig. She is survived by three children, Donna Ludwig of Red Lion, Judy Slenker of Spry, and Dale Slenker, Jr. and wife Margie of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Michelle Sanborn and husband Brooks, Danielle Woo and husband Tyler, Anissa Keesey and husband Ben, Bekah Smith and companion Taylor Smith, Patrick Jesek and companion Amy Barnett, Brandon Jesek and companion Brittany Hayes, Justin Slenker and companion Destiny Jameson; and great grandchildren, Cambria Sanborn, Kai Sanborn, Grayden Keesey, Adelyn Keesey, Cedar Keesey, T.J. Woo, Lucy Woo, Payton Onions, and Caspian Slenker.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Spry, 2385 S. Queen Street, York, PA 17402.

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