Obituary of Helen M. Barton

Helen M. Gibboney Barton, 94, of Bellefonte, died Sunday, January 29, 2017, at Centre Crest, Bellefonte. Born November 27, 1922, in Pennsylvania Furnace, she was the daughter of the late John and Lillie Shuey Colpetzer. On November 27, 1941 she married Glenn E. Gibboney, who preceded her in death on November 27, 1978. She remarried in 1994 to John Barton, who also preceded her in death in 2000. She is survived by two children, Ruth Ann Funk and her husband, D. Nicholas, of Saylorsburg and Glen E. Gibboney Jr. and his wife, Kathleen of PA Furnace; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Virginia L. Kerstetter, Barbara J. Grubb, fifteen siblings and a grandson, Michael B. Funk. Helen was a 1941 graduate of Ferguson Township High School. She graduated from the Writer's Digest School in 1984. She won numerous awards for her poetry and had many published in national publications. Helen was a member of the Greater Buffalo Valley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 12 until 1 p.m., on Monday, February 6, 2017, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., at the funeral home, with the Reverend Calvin Miller officiating. Burial will be in Fairbrook Cemetery, PA Furnace. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Buffalo Valley United Methodist Church, 126 Apple St. Bellefonte, PA 16823. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.