Judy Barb

Judy Barb, 78, of Yorktown, VA, died Monday, March 11, 2024 after battling lymphoma for over 20 years, one month shy of her 79th birthday. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ronald Barb, her parents, Clifford and Nellie Coffman of Mt. Jackson, VA, and brother Kevin Coffman of Timberville, VA.
She is survived by her children, Tammy MacKay and husband Thomas, Joel Barb, Arianna Barb, and Elijah; four grandchildren, Taylor MacKay, Taryn MacKay, Jacob Barb, and Jabin Barb; five brothers, Steve Coffman (Doris), Richard Coffman (Darlene), Gary Coffman (Delores), Keith Coffman (Susan); one sister, Rebecca Coffman; Sue Coffman, widow of brother Kevin Coffman; Edith Barb, widow of her brother-in-law John Barb; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
Judy was born the eldest of seven children in 1945 in Rockingham, VA. She graduated with her husband, Ron, from Stonewall Jackson High School. She met Ron in childhood, and in high school he drove the school bus they both rode. When Ron came home on leave from the Air Force in 1966, he asked Judy to marry him, and together they started their life traveling the world and raising a family.
She enjoyed seeing the sights of and living in Germany, Italy, Greece, and many states in America. She was a scout-leader for her two oldest children and enjoyed helping the Girl Scouts get their badges and teaching them about different cultures using the pictures of her travels. She made each new place a home for her family while being an Avon lady, selling Sarah Coventry jewelry, and preparing taxes for H&R Block.
She liked being outside at the beach, in the mountains, and exploring the local cultures. She said the most amazing sight was Niagara Falls, but her biggest joy was her grandchildren and her many furbabies.
Judy and her husband adopted and raised two of their son’s children as she began her battle with lymphoma. Ron was by her side at chemotherapy and doctor’s appointments, even as he battled his own cancer. After his death, her daughters were by her side for the battle right to the last day. She was blessed to have her sister, Rebecca, with her for a month towards the end of her treatment.
The family would like to thank her doctors and nurses at Virginia Oncology, Brock Cancer Center, the amazing staff at Northampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the many nurses and doctors at Riverside Hospital her last few days. They hold a special place in our hearts! Special thanks go out to Debra Perry Adams and her family, long-time neighbors and friends, for their assistance getting Judy into the warm and caring facility in which she spent her final days.
Memories are like a walk along the beach. Sometimes you find a seashell to hold onto and treasure. Sometimes you have to live in the moment and watch the sun set, feeling the waves at your feet. Sometimes you find a broken seashell, and decide to toss it back into the current
Judy’s battle has ended. She is now with her husband and furbabies. She will be buried at Solomon’s Lutheran Church in Quicksburg, VA, at a private ceremony.