Barbara “Barb” Jean Rodgers

Barbara was born on July 11th, 1939 in Wetmore, PA to Vernon Howe and Virginia Gaskill.

Following the passing of her mother when she was just six months old, she was lovingly cared for by her stepmother, Dora. She attended Kane High School, graduating in the top 10 of the class of 1957.

On August 15th, 1958, she and Lee Rodgers of Kinzua, PA eloped in Jamestown, New York.

In her early years, Barbara worked for the Blair Company, where she assisted the Vice President and took dictation in shorthand.

After raising her family, she returned to work for Lakeshore Community Services. There, she provided meaningful activities to individuals with intellectual disabilities, eventually retiring at the age of 72.

Barbara lived a full life in devotion to the Lord, supporting her husband in ministry after his graduation from Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY. She was a gifted musician who sang often in harmony with her husband Lee and played the piano and organ. She often taught Sunday school, VBS, and youth groups. Their ministry spanned several states, starting in Kane, PA, then on to Meshoppen, PA; Rome, NY; Fertile, IA; and Forest City, PA; finally returning to Kane and settling in beautiful Warren, PA. Her helpful and compassionate nature touched the lives of many. Barbara was always known as kind, patient, loving, and selfless, truly embodying the “fruits of the spirit” that she taught to so many. She always put her faith in the Word of God. It was common practice for her to encourage others, rarely being concerned for herself. In her early years she desired to become a missionary, but instead often cared for family members in her home, plus her own four children, as well as many other friends and community members. She loved spending time with her family and friends, playing games, knitting and crocheting, and sharing a meal. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren, with whom she loved to share a laugh(and a cookie). Family gatherings were frequent, and she always had a funny story to share or a game to play, where hilarity often ensued. Her family was blessed to join her and Lee for church sometimes, where her knowledge of the Bible and the Lord’s love and mercy always shone through.

She is survived by many loving family members, including her four children, Lisa Robinson, Lori Kocjancic, Stephen(Heidi) Rodgers, and Beth(Jon) Hoffman, nephew Leroy Hotchkiss, nine grandchildren, Karissa Kocjancic, Michael Kocjancic, Julie (Anthony) Cassar, Ashley(Colin) Quinn, Vanessa (Tyler) Pierandozzi, Nickolas (Brittany) Robinson, Kiersten (Austin) Hind, and Levi Hoffman, six great grandchildren, two brothers, Terry (Maryann) Howe and Curt (Judy) Howe, a sister, Kathy Critzer, and many family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother; her grandmother, Ida Mae Gaskill; her grandfather, William Howe; her sister, Betty Mitchell; and her beloved husband of 66 1/2 years, Lee.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Barbara’s beautiful life and legacy. A memorial service will be held on June 19th, 2026, at the McKinney Funeral Home, 54 West Main Street, Youngsville, PA 16371. The schedule is as follows: Family Viewing: 11:00am-12:00pm Public Viewing: 12:00pm-2:00pm Memorial Service: To follow immediately after the public viewing In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Barbara’s life, donations may be made to the Good News Church, 615 Conewango Avenue, Warren, PA 16365 or the Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA 16365. Condolences or shared memories of Barbara are welcomed at www.mckinneyfuneral.com.