Barbara Ann (Hoover) Gontz

Barbara Ann (Hoover) Gontz, 91, of Chambersburg, formerly of Shippensburg, departed this life on the evening of Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.

She was born on March 21, 1933, in Yellow Creek, Indiana Co., Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Abraham and Eva (Hale) Hoover. Barb married Cardinal L. Gontz on May 15, 1954. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2012.

Barb worked as a supply clerk at the Letterkenny Army Depot of over thirty years, from where she retired. She was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Durff-Kuhn V.F.W. Post #6168 Ladies Auxilliary, both of Shippensburg, and the Elks Lodge #600 of Chambersburg. 

In younger years, Barb enjoyed bowling and ceramics. She liked collecting tea cups, going to her “teas”, eating out at restaurants, and watching/feeding birds from her kitchen window. Barb was always known as an excellent cook. She enjoyed vacationing with her family, especially to the Ocean City, Maryland Sunfest. Barb loved all of her many pets that she kept over the years, always enjoyed her afternoon naps, and was just an overall amazing grandmother. 

Barb is survived by her two daughters, Deborah K. Pye and husband Stephen of West Grove, PA and Brenda R. Oller of Waynesboro; two grandchildren, Jennifer L. Hendrickson of Quarryville, PA and Christopher W. Pye and wife Cherie of Marysville, TN; three great grandchildren, Breann Muckel and husband Chad of Drumore, PA, Brady Hendrickson of Quarryville, PA, and Declan Pye of Marysville, TN; two sisters, Arlene Bambling of York, PA and Miriam Stumbaugh of Chambersburg, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband of fifty-eight years, Barb was preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Oller; and four siblings, Janet Ferguson, Joyce Verdier, Jean Hoover, and Kenneth Hoover.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Menno Haven -Chambers Pointe and to the nurses and doctors at the WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital for their compassion and kindness.

A private graveside service will be held in the Norland Cemetery, Chambersburg, with Mother Barbara Hutchison officiating. There will be no public viewing or visitation prior to. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 206 East Burd Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.