Barbara Barth

Barbara Joan Zander Barth, formerly of Paxton, Il, Madison, WI and Clemson, SC, died January 11th at her home. Born April 27, 1934, in Aurora, Illinois, she was the daughter of John “Jack” Zander and Dorothy Palmblade Zander. She graduated from Paxton Community High School where she was a member of the Concert Band, Glee Club, Chorus, Reflector Year Book staff and Drama Club, and the University of Illinois where she played in the Concert Band, sang in the Oratorio Society and was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Delta Pi scholastic fraternities. She married Clyde Barth in September 1955, divorcing in 1980. After graduation they lived in Karlsruhe, Germany for two years and loved traveling to many European countries. Moving to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1957, Barbara was employed by the University of Wisconsin Extension Service to assist the United States Armed Forces Institute in the production of textbooks for the military. In 1964 the family moved to Ibadan, Nigeria where she embodied the arts and culture, living new history every day. They returned to Madison in 1967, where Barbara was employed by the University of Wisconsin Center System. They relocated to Clemson, South Carolina, in 1970. Barbara worked as a secretary/administrative assistant at the Clemson United Methodist Church for almost 30 years. She was a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS), which provided important learning opportunities, travel, and many friendships.

Barbara was a 41-year member of the Girl Scouts of America, 35 years as a volunteer. In retirement, she was a 5000-hour volunteer at the Patewood Outpatient Lab in Greenville, SC, and served on the Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary Board. She was a lifelong fan of cycling and volunteered at many cycling races; she loved traveling, was an avid reader, and enjoyed crossword puzzles, needlework, and gardening. Her love of music, especially jazz, was always with her, far beyond her playing/singing days. Barbara adored her family, attending the school, music, and sports functions of her children and grandchildren, and the family gatherings.

Barbara is survived by her daughters Lia Barth of Hendersonville, NC and Heidi Moody (Scott) of Easley, SC; sons Garin Barth (Carolyn) of Aruba/Columbus, GA and Jamie Barth of Charleston, SC; grandchildren Heather Barth Weaver (Sam), Gaitley Batton Roberts (Justin), Zander Barth (Sarah) and Olivia Barth Funk (Jack); great-grandson Clark Weaver, and an estranged grandson (three sons).

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, eight aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins, and by three very special teachers/friends, Margaret Cook and John and Lucille McKinney, who played important roles in her life.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605-4277, or to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), 458 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. Per her wishes, there will be no services. Burial in Glen Cemetery, Paxton, Illinois. Robinson Funeral Home in Easley and Baier Family Funeral Service in Paxton are assisting the family.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.