Barbara Jo Heldreth, 85, of Shinnston, passed away at United Hospital Center on Monday, April 22, 2024, following a brief illness.
Barbara was born on February 6, 1939, in Harrison County. She was the daughter of the late Paul D. and Emma Zinn Tennant, who where originally from Shinnston.
On August 8, 1958, she married James A. Heldreth, and the couple were married for 58 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 2017; a brother, Richard P. Tennant of Michigan; and nephew Timothy Tennant.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Heldreth Strait and son-in-law Rodney K. Strait of Shinnston; and sister-in-law Carol Tennant of Michigan. Barbara is also survived by nieces, Debbie, Diana and Michelle; great-nieces, great-nephews; and several cousins.
She graduated from Shinnston High School in 1956, and immediately the family moved to Pontiac, Michigan, where her father became an electrician for Pontiac Motors.
Barbara was a graduate of Wayne State University and Harper Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, Michigan. She and Jim were married during this time. Upon graduation, Barbara returned to Shinnston and began private duty as a registered nurse.
Barbara was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, Shinnston, for over 60 years, where she was a member of the choir, served as Sunday School teacher, United Methodist Women’s President, and many other church committees over the years. She and Jim were in charge of rummage sales for the church for many years.
Barbara was also a member and Past Matron of Shinnston Chapter No. 103, Order of the Eastern Star and transferred membership to Queen Esther Chapter No. 11 when Shinnston Chapter closed. Barbara received her 50 year membership pin from Queen Esther Chapter.
Barbara was also the first Mother Advisor of Shinnston Assembly No. 65, Order of Rainbow for Girls, which was active in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.
Friends will be received at Harmer Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 4:00PM-8:00PM. A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Rebecca Street, Shinnston, on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:00AM with Rev. Michael Burge officiating. Interment will follow at Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 64 Rebecca Street, Shinnston, WV 26431 or The Lord’s Pantry, PO Box 64, Shinnston, WV 26431.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the nurses in United Hospital’s Critical Care Unit for their compassionate and exceptional care of Barbara while a patient.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.harmerfuneralhome.com
A service of Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.