Barbara Jane Wotring, 76, of the Upper Cobun Creek Road, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at her home surrounded by family. Barbara was born, Dec. 09, 1941, in Morgantown, the daughter of Robert Harner and Mildred Dixon Harner.
Barbara was Baptist and a faithful member of the Goshen Baptist Church. She worked as a registered nurse for Mon Health Medical Center for 25 years, until her retirement. During her career as an RN, Barbara left work to raise her three children but maintained her license and returned to full duty only after her children were through high school.
Barbara had an inquisitive mind and wanted to know how things worked. She enjoyed gardening and even though she didn’t have the greenest of thumbs, she still loved the challenge of cultivating and nurturing her garden. She had even tried her hand at Ginseng and raising Emus. Her tenacious spirit gave her the drive to try anything. Regardless of the outcome, she enjoyed experiencing new things.
Her love of the Lord would lead her to study the scriptures carefully and purposefully. It wasn’t uncommon for Barbara to have three or four different versions of the Bible in front of her to study the same chapter and verse. Her thirst for understanding and knowledge was unquenchable.
Barbara was the greatest of storytellers. Her children recall, no detail would be left out. She would share memories of her past experiences and the importance of family heritage.
Those close to Barbara knew not to ask for her attention on Monday nights because she loved to watch football and Monday Night Raw WWE Wrestling.
Barbara will be remembered for many attributes and qualities, but none more than spending time with her grandchildren. This time was often spent one-on-one. When she couldn’t see them, she would write. Letters and simple notes of encouragement would show up in the mailboxes of her children and grandchildren alike. Always careful and intentional, the notes would come at just the right time offering wise, careful counsel and encouragement. Barbara will be loved and missed by so many.
Surviving is her husband, Marvin Wotring, they would have celebrated 51 years of marriage this year; her daughters, Pamela Martsolf and husband Jim, of Washington, Pa.; Julie Cool and husband Steve and son, Gene Wotring and wife Debbie, all of Morgantown; 16 grandchildren,; five great- grandchildren; one brother, Robert Harner and wife Rose, of Hopewell, Va. and one sister, Margaret Agens and husband Ken, of Equality, Ill. and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one great-grandchild, Noah McDonald.
Barbara’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the Amedisys Hospice staff for the tender compassionate care given to Barbara over the past year.
Family will receive friends at the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., on Friday June 8. Funeral services will follow at the Fred L. Jenkins Chapel of Prayer at 4 p.m., on Saturday, June 9 with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Pleasant Hills Cemetery.
Condolences: jenkinsfuneralservice.com
