Obituaries

Barbara B. Blakinger, 93

January 08, 2018

Barbara B. Blakinger, 93, a devoted wife and mother who reveled in her ever-growing family, died January 8 after a brief illness at Willow Valley Communities in Willow Street.
The wife of Richard (Dick) J. Blakinger, she had been a Willow Valley resident 13 years and, before that, lived in Manheim Township for 54 years.
She attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and met her husband there. They were married August 24, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming while Dick was in the service.
Mrs. Blakinger, known for her personal warmth and gentle sense of humor, was an insatiable reader who always had a new novel on her bookshelf. She gave her time generously as a volunteer with such organizations as the Lancaster Library System and Meals-On-Wheels. She also loved theater, travel, playing bridge with friends, birding, and enjoying nature.
But above all else, she loved sharing time with her family that in later years came to include 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Born in Casper, Wyoming, she was the daughter of the late Clarence H. Bowman and Ada Estey Bowman. In addition to her husband of 73 years, she is survived by five children. They are Charles Bowman, of Lititz, married to Mary (Shirk); Dan Allan, of Lancaster, married to Cindy (Thomas); Betsy Em, of Wrightsville, wife of Joseph Rubadue; John Leo, of Bend, Oregon, married to Teresa (Bidlake); and Jean Marie, of West Chester, widow of Matthew Zizik.
Mrs. Blakinger is survived by 13 grandchildren. They are Kate, John Richard, Keri, Andrew, Krista, Maria, Jamie, Michael, Grace, Carly, Dane, Kyle and Valerie. She also has six great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Austin, Ellis, Dean, Evaline and Micah.
She was preceded in death by her brother, U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Charles H. Bowman; a son-in-law, Matthew Zizik, and a granddaughter, Julia Rubadue.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Blakinger will be celebrated at 11AM, Saturday, January 13, 2018, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601. Family and friends will be received for a time of greeting from 10AM to 11AM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Water Street Ministries, 210 South Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17604, or the Lancaster Public Library, 125 North Duke Street, Lancaster PA 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

October 30, 2018

My mother Jean Luce and Barbara were friends at Cornell. I have many wonderful pictures of Barbara and her, also Em and Bob Rowland and Norma and Bob Luce.

January 17, 2018

Dear Uncle Dick and all my cousins — I was very saddened to hear of aunt Barb’s death. I have such good memories of being with you all when we would make the trip from Spokane to Lancaster in earlier days. Barb was so welcoming and friendly and a pleasure and joy to be around. I am sending donations to the organizations listed in the obituary to honor the work and life of aunt Barb. Here are some words that describe that life and work.
A life well-lived leaves its gentle pattern on the hearts of all..and the world is a lovier place because one person touched it with warmth and goodness and grace.
For sure, Barb made the world a much lovier place and I take inspiration and hope from the life she lived. My love to all of you with hope that maybe sometime I will be able see you again. With Love and condolances, Larry Keil

January 12, 2018

Dear Dick, My deepest sympathy ro you and your family! You two have been such an inspiration to so many for so long at Spring Run at Willow Valley Communities! God Bless all of you. Chuck Sawicki

January 12, 2018

Dear Mr. Blakinger, Chuck, Dan, Betsey, John, and Jean,
I’d like to send my sincerest and deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. She was a saint, and a very beautiful and loving woman, inside and out. What a wonderful mother she was, for you all, and your father, so kind as well. I’ve alway had very fond memories of the great times our families celebrated together, and the great neighborhood we were fortunate enough to have grown up in. Those truly were the best of times (although as kids, we probably didn’t realize it) and I feel comfortable saying that now. Your parents were the best people, along with the Longwells, and the Barrys. I miss all of them so much too. With the passing of your mother, a little piece of me goes too. Your mom was always so good to my mom too, especially in her later years, and we are so grateful to her for that. I remember the bridge parties they held in our house.
I wish I could be there, to help celebrate and remember her life and see all of you. I will be there in thought and spirit. God Bless all of you.
Judy (Van Dusen) Hadley

January 11, 2018

Dick, my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Bob Patterson

January 10, 2018

I think Barb was my mom’s best friend for about fifty years. I grew up hearing so many stories about their escapades and each concluded with a big grin or a laugh. It seemed that every time they got together their eyes would light up and they’d giggle – like two college girls – just giggle for a minute or two before they got on with their conversation. I cannot recall Barb without her smile…. that beautiful smile.
To Dick and the kids, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so lucky to have known her.
Bill Rowland

January 10, 2018

My deepest sympathy to the entire Blakinger family. Dan, your parents were just the sweetest couple. Please tell Mr. B. I am thinking of him. So glad they had all those years together.
Jane Spangler

January 10, 2018

Heaven is shining a bit brighter now. Prayers for God’s loving arms to hold you during this time of deep sorrow.
The Oles Family

January 10, 2018

To the Blakinger family, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Tim Whisler

January 10, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Blakinger Family! Mrs. Blakinger was such a dear, sweet, compassionate woman. It is an honor to have known her. Her legacy will continue on in her amazing grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our hearts are with you all and we share in your sadness.
With love,
Patty, John, and Kristen Trevino

January 10, 2018

the Hess family loves the Blakingers! We are continuing to pray for peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding.

January 10, 2018

Dear Dick and Family:
What a sweet, caring, non-assuming woman, so understated, but strong. So glad you had so many happy years together. You made a great couple.
With deepest sympathy and condolances.
Ron and Dee Smith

Visitation: Saturday, January 13, 2018; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Rd.; Lancaster, PA 17601
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Services: Saturday, January 13, 2018; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; St. John Neumann Catholic Church; 601 E. Delp Rd.; Lancaster, PA 17601
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >