Barbara Ann Longenecker

Barbara Ann Longenecker, 73, of Manheim Pennsylvania, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016. Barbara died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Sr. and Ruth Arnold Keener. Barbara was the loving wife of the late C. Frederick Longenecker. She graduated from Lancaster General School of Nursing and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabethtown College in 1965. Barbara was employed as a registered nurse in Lancaster. For many years she worked with her husband in the office of the family store, Longenecker’s True Value Hardware, Manheim. She was an active and faithful member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Manheim, participated in Women’s Fellowship, and sang in the choir. Barbara’s volunteer spirit led her to form a knitting group for cancer patients at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Lancaster. She was also a vital member of the Silent Samaritans whose mission is to empower and support women in need of counselling services. She also supported the Samaritan Counseling Center in a variety of ways. She was a member of the Manheim Women’s Club, and the Manheim Historical Society. Barbara was a gracious hostess and a wonderful cook who made everyone feel welcome in her home. She enjoyed reading, knitting, needlepoint and flowers.

Barbara is survived by her son and daughter, C. Philip and Kimberly Longenecker and their spouses Rebecca Longenecker and Daniel Griffin, her five grandchildren: Emma and Charlie Longenecker, Evelyn, Tessa and Vivian Griffin. She is also survived by her brother, Clarence Jr., husband of Anna Keener of Lancaster, her sister, Nancy Landis of Lancaster, and partner Ray Edmison of Elizabethtown.

All are invited to a Remembrance and Celebration of Barbara’s life on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at her nephew’s farm, Meadow View Plantation, a special place for Barbara and her family. The plantation is located at 3461 Echo Valley Road, Manheim, and it will take place outside. There will be a time for visitation and fellowship with the family immediately following the service. Interment will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Barbara’s memory to: Heifer International, One World Avenue, Little Rock, AR. 72202, or Samaritan Counseling Center, 1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Hospice and Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125

Barbara put her family above all else and lived life to the fullest. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and she touched the lives of many.