Obituary of Barbara Natalie

Barbara Joyce Natalie, 71, of State College, Pennsylvania, died Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at her home, from an aggressive form of stage 4 breast cancer. Born December 15, 1941, in Ginter, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Joseph and Ferdenant DeZaiffe Killinger. Surviving family members are one son, Gerard Thomas Gmerek and his wife, Angela Marie, of Houtzdale; one brother Cecil Raymond Killinger, and one grandchild, Jared Adam Gmerek. She was preceded in death by an older brother, Eugene, who died shortly after childbirth in 1940. Barbara married Jerome Edward Gmerek in 1959. Jerome was killed in an accident in 1960, eleven months after their son, Gerard Thomas, was born. In 1968, Barbara married Emanuel Natalie. Emanuel died of complications of diabetes. Barbara married Carl Robert Hess in 1997. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1999. In 2004, Barbara married Lee L. Lowry, who survives at home. Following Barbara's 1957 graduation from Moshannon Valley High School, she graduated from the Altoona School of Commerce and Zeth Schools, Incorporated, both located in Altoona, Pennsylvania. For more than 30 years, Barbara was employed as Secretary to three managers for the Borough of State College. There will be no public visitation and the funeral will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the League of Women Voters Centre County. Make checks payable to the League of Women Voters Centre County and mail to Box 962, State College, Pennsylvania, 16804. On the check's line marked "For," please write "Education Fund." By including this designated fund, it will assure that your contribution is tax deductible and that the money will be used by the Centre County League of Women Voters. 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.