Rhoda L. Barber

1938-2024

Rhoda L. Barber, 86, of Marshfield, formerly of Curtiss, went to be with Jesus, her Savior, on Sept. 10, 2024 at her granddaughter’s home in Marshfield, with her family by her side. Born on Sept. 5, 1938, in Glens Falls, N.Y., Rhoda Leah was the daughter of Rowland and Daisy (Forsha) Archard. Rhoda attended Argyle Central School in Argyle, N.Y. In high school she sang in the choir and played the clarinet in band. She graduated in the Class of 1957.

On Oct. 6, 1957, Rhoda married Leon E. Barber, Jr. in Fort Miller, N.Y. She enjoyed studying birds, gardening, playing the piano, and hosting holiday parties. Playing games with family and friends was a regular entertainment. She and her husband, with their four children, went camping every summer. Rhoda was ever a lover of nature.

In 1980, she and her family moved from upstate New York to Wisconsin.

For over 25 years, Rhoda helped with Taylor County Special Olympics bowling and raised funds. She also worked for many years as a home health aide.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 56 years, Leon E. Barber, Jr.

Survivors include her four children, Bret Barber, Nancy (Anthony) Sari, and Christine Barber, all of Spencer, and Bruce Barber of Curtiss; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Aaron) Miller, Rebecca (Benjamin) Hoffman, Anna Marie (Benjamin) Thiesen, Anthony L. (Charity) Sari, Leah (Christian) Guerrero, Joseph Sari, David Sari, Redmond McKimmy, and Tallulah (Jason) Broadway; and six great-grandchildren; one widowed sister, Marcia Jansson of Fort Edward, N.Y.; three brothers, Eric (Nancy) Archard of Gansvoort, N.Y., Wayne (Teresa) Archard of Titusville, Fla., and Glen (Lisa) Archard of Argyle, N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. She was also close to her cousin Sheila Knowlton of Glens Falls, N.Y.

Special thanks to Compassus for providing supportive hospice care and to Rebecca and Ben for caring for her in their home. Thanks also to Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford.

A private burial was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the township of Holway, on Sept. 13, 2024. A Memorial Tribute to Rhoda for relatives and friends will be held at Hampton Inn, Marshfield, on Oct. 12, 2024.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 158194