Barbara J. Wise, 91, of Hamlet entered into rest on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at the home of her daughter in Liberty, KY.
Barbara was born on November 14, 1934 to William C. and Anna Mae (Ort) Nelson in Olean. Her home was in Chipmunk, NY, and they moved to Forestville during her sophomore year. She married the love of her life, Richard N. Wise, on July 11, 1953 in Forestville. They were married 71 years.
Barb was all about family, community, and the Lord. She raised her family in Hamlet. She worked at G.C. Murphy's, picked grapes, worked at Balcom Corner store, in the school cafeteria in South Dayton, and at Gowanda Electronics. Among other transformers and parts, she made a part that went on the space shuttle, a special part for train brakes, and a part required for a naval ship. It had to wait in port before it could get under way.
Barb is a longtime member of the Hamlet United Methodist Church. She served in various capacities, several at the same time. She was the Board Chairperson for about 40 years. She and Rich participated in the services, cleaned and maintained the building, and mowed the lawn. She was the Lay Speaker for the church for decades. Barb taught classes in Junior Grange, 4-H, and was a Girl Scout leader for over 10 years. She was a counselor in Day Camp at Camp Timbercrest.
Barb was the Villenova Historian for about 43 years, saving information future generations and assisted people interested in town and family history. She took pictures of all the old barns in the town and compiled an album before they were gone. She did a lot of research to ensure the town's veterans were remembered and had the Viking stone placed at the entrance to the Town Hall. She ran wing in the town trucks when needed and made oatmeal cookies to keep Rich going especially during bad snow storms. Rich and she won the first Chautauqua County snowplowing championship. She served on the Board of Elections and on the grievance board for many years. She and Rich were antique and history buffs. They were lifetime members of the New York Steam Engine Association, the Western New York Gas and Steam Engine Association, and the Chautauqua County Antique Engine Association. They enjoyed displaying treasures and sharing information about their hobby. They also belonged to the Western New York Genealogical Society. She also belonged to the Hillside Club.
Barb loved her flowers. She gardened, knitted, crocheted, and made beautiful wedding cakes. She loved her family and did countless things for their growth and happiness.
Barb is predeceased by her parents; husband; and sister, Beverly (Rodney) Case. She is survived by a son, Roger (Anita) Wise of Cherry Creek; daughters, Louise "LuAnn" (Donnie) Lindquist of Stockton and Sandra "Sandy" (Emery) Masiker of Liberty, KY; grandchildren, Sara Wise, Rachael (Tim) Wright, Laura (Wilton) Miller, Donnie (Gaby) Lindquist, William Lindquist, Eddie Lindahl and Emily (Zack) Ruggles; great-grandchildren, Shelby Johnston, William (Gillian) Johnston, Fiona Wright and Mazie Ruggles; a sister-in-law, Betty Wise; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends may visit the DiStasio Funeral Home, 478 Route 83 at Balcom Corners in South Dayton on Monday, July 20 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow with David Kelly officiating. Interment will be in Villenova Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made sent to the Hospice of Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503; Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750; or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made at www.distasiofuneralhome.com.
