Obituaries

Joyce Barnhart, 97, of Danville, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her residence. She was born Friday, April 9, 1926, in Danville PA, the daughter of the late Roy and Olive Madden Gass.

Joyce graduated from Danville High School in 1944 and later with a bachelor’s degree in education from Bloomsburg State Teacher’s College.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years and the love of her life, Howard F. Barnhart, Jr. in 2013. They were married on July 24, 1948.

Joyce was employed as an elementary school teacher in the Sunbury School District, Montour-DeLong School District and the Danville School District. Her dedication to her profession and the children she taught was unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was a lifelong member of Shiloh United Church of Christ in Danville where she also volunteered as Director of the Danville Riverside Food Bank for numerous years. Her memberships were numerous including the Danville Business and Professional Women’s Club, Danville Garden Club, and served as den mother for the Cub Scouts. She also served on the board of directors for Children and Youth.

Joyce was a nature enthusiast, always enjoying sunsets, birds, animals and trees. She loved to cook and bake and always looked forward to Memorial Day and Labor Day at the family cabin with her family surrounding her.

She will be remembered for her positive spirit, her witty disposition and curious nature. Joyce was a very selfless person, always looking out for the underdog and helping anyone she knew who needed something.

She is survived by one son Howard F. Barnhart, III and his wife Sue of Sunbury PA and three daughters; Letitia “Tish” Fest of Bloomsburg PA; Susan Hess and her husband William of Danville PA and Gloria Olson of Mifflinburg PA. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; Valerie, April, Robert, Rebecca, Judy, Mark, Wade, Shawna and Bradley and 14 great-grandchildren: Rachel, Gwen, Jacob, Emily, Madison, Kelsey, Logan, Alexia, Chryslynn, Raegan, Camryn, Alayna, Lazlo and Poema. A compassionate and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, Mrs. Barnhart's memory will live on in all of the hearts of all who knew her.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Roy Barnhart in 2014, one grandson, Roy Barnhart, Jr; one granddaughter, Gina Barnhart and two sisters; Lois Gass and Carol Bell as well as one son-in-law, Robert Fest.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Joyce’s Life to be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Shiloh United Church of Christ 512 Bloom Street Danville PA with her pastor the Reverend Mary Schmotzer officiating. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Burial will follow in Reformed Cemetery, Danville, PA.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh United Church of Christ or the Danville/Riverside Food Bank; both at 512 Bloom Street Danville PA 17821,

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821. www.visneski.com.