Barbara R. King

Barbara R. (Hummel) King, age 89, 270 Cole’s Creek Mill Road, Benton, died at her home at 6:23 a. m. Thursday, December 1, 2016 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Sunbury on August 1, 1927, she was a daughter of the late William C. and Nancy (Boone) McNinch. She resided in Sugarloaf Township since 1975 and formerly lived in Bloomsburg for many years.

Barbara was a 1945 graduate of Bloomsburg High School and a 1949 graduate of the former Bloomsburg State Teachers College. She began her teaching career at the former Beaver Township High School and then taught at the former Scott Township High School for 2 ½ years, before becoming the speech therapist for the Columbia County School District. She was last employed by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16, retiring in 1989.

A member of the Benton Christian Church, she also belonged to the Benton Women’s Club;  the Benton Christian Women’s Club; and the Benton Sewing Club. She also was a member of the Bloomsburg Chapter 179, Order of Eastern Star; the Valley of Bloomsburg,  American Legion Auxiliary; Benton Lions Club and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Barbara was a past president of the Council For Exceptional Children in Pennsylvania and a former vice-president of the North Eastern Retired Teachers Association.  

She was preceded in death by two husbands: Nevin A. Hummel on December 7, 1970 and Donald F. King on April 30, 2011, after 35 years of marriage.

Barbara is survived by three daughters: Susan E. “Soozie”  Hummel, Ft. Orchard, Wash.; Kay L., wife of David  Hughes, Lancaster; Kathy Ann Hummel, at home; two step-sons: Donald King, and his wife Patricia, Harvey’s Lake and Kenneth King, and his wife Melissa, Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;  13 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Susan L. Trate, Milton;  a  niece, Barbara, wife of Brady Golder, Milton;  and a nephew, Brian Trate, and his wife Sherry, Milton.

State Representative David R. Millard (wife Rita) of Berwick was a special part of Barb's life. While he was growing up, he spent much time with her family and was like a son to her.

The family would like to thank their neighbors and friends, Chet and Paula Pickard, for all their friendship, love and assistance during Barbara’s illness. It was all deeply appreciated.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 4 p. m. in the Benton Christian Church, Third and Church Streets, Benton, with her pastor, Rev. Dr. David Mansfield officiating. Visitation will be at the Church on Friday from 6-8 p. m. and Saturday from 2-4 p. m. Bloomsburg Chapter 179, Order of Eastern Star will conduct services at 2 p. m. Saturday.

The family will provide flowers. Memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Benton.