BARBARA FIFE SCHWARTZ
Barbara Fife Schwartz, 87, passed away May 21, 2021, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.
Barb was a woman of Christian faith who believed in GOD, JESUS CHRIST, and the HOLY SPIRIT. She daily searched the Scripture, reading the Bible all the way through several times. Barb was a Proverbs 31 woman: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” She instilled in her children faith in the LORD from their youth.
Thank you, Mom, for teaching us, from an early age, about GOD, JESUS, and the HOLY SPIRIT. What a wonderful foundation of faith was laid:
– how to pray (“LORD we thank Thee…” “Now I lay me down to sleep…” “The LORD’s Prayer”)
– learning the names of the books of the Bible in a song so we can easily turn to them when searching Scripture
– reading the Bible
– faithfully attending Church
– giving to help others
– serving others, denying self and putting others first
– being thankful
– loving others with a sincere heart
– having faith in the LORD JESUS and not doubting
– knowing that the LORD is our foundation, the Alpha and the Omega, a very present help in time of need
– loving GOD with a sincere heart most of all
Barb was born February 16, 1934, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to John Francis Fife III and Ruth Brown Fife. She really enjoyed her Scot, Irish, and Welsh heritage.
Barb deeply loved her family. She married Albert Frederick Schwartz, Jr. 8-30-1957 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, which was founded by her ancestor the Rev. John McMillan, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in 1776.
Barb had four children who cherished her and knew GOD richly blessed them with her as their mother: Albert Frederick III; Philip Fife; Kenneth Karl (Brenda); Barbara Bennett (Rick).
She loved, very much, her grandchildren Christopher Schwartz, Henry Schwartz, Norman Schwartz, and greatgrandchild Kiley Oliver.
Barb was preceded in death by her grandson Jacob Isaac Fife Schwartz.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her siblings: John Francis Fife IV; Norman Richard Fife and wife Audrey; Patricia Fife Snyder; Kenneth Jay Fife and wife Carol.
Barb is also survived by her sister Beverly Fife Lacich (Mel); sister-in-law Anne Fife; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Barb graduated from Bethel High School in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, in 1953, which she fondly remembered: her friends, who she stayed in touch with throughout her life, being a three-year varsity cheerleader, majorette, Student Council Vice-President, and participating on the basketball and volleyball teams.
Barb worked for the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph newspaper in the mid to late 1950s as a bookkeeper.
She was crowned “Miss Page One” in 1955, by the newspaper guild of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In the early 1960s, Barb decided, with husband Al’s support, to leave the workforce outside the home to work inside the home as a full-time homemaker and to continue laying a foundation of love and support for her family. She always supported her family.
Before moving to Batesville, Barb was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the church choir and taught Sunday school.
After moving to Batesville, Barb became a member of the Batesville United Methodist Church where, over the years, she taught Sunday school, served on the board of trustees, played in the Bell choir, and headed up both the Church’s annual Country Store during the Turkey Supper and making annual Chrismon ornaments for Christmas trees.
Barb was a big sports fan. Although she and her immediate family moved to Batesville 12-3-1972, and she would root for Cincinnati and Indianapolis sports teams, she remained a fan of the Pittsburgh sports teams the Steelers (she enjoyed waving the Terrible Towel and six Super Bowl victories) and the Pirates (especially the 1960 World Series champs) from a young age and for the rest of her life.
Barb’s family loved her cooking. She made several outstanding dishes, particularly her spaghetti with homemade sauce, delicious steaks, Sunday roasts, and pork and sauerkraut. Barb enjoyed making crafts and was a talented painter, having tole-painted items that her children will cherish in the years to come.
She enjoyed reading in general, and especially the daily newspaper, doing the crossword puzzle, jumble, and cryptoquip. She enjoyed annual trips to Amish country and admired the faith, simplicity, and care with which they approached their everyday lives in service to GOD.
Barb was a patriotic American. She gladly flew the American flag on the front porch and placed her hand over her heart whenever she sang the national anthem.
She admired those who served whether it was her own family members who served in the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Air National Guard or others who served in any capacity. She supported and admired the police and firefighters, those willing to lay down their lives for others, and was very grateful to EMS and the caregivers who helped her during her illnesses in the last two years.
Barb loved and cared about her friends and enjoyed making new acquaintances. She always had a ready smile and was known for her friendly, outgoing personality. Barb enjoyed singing, especially at family gatherings. And she enjoyed a good laugh and had a great sense of humor. One of her ministries was sending greeting cards to people for encouragement.
Mom, thank you for your beautiful smile which always brings us joy and comfort. We will always have that wonderful smile stored up in our hearts. Barb is greatly missed and all who love her look forward to seeing her again on the day of Resurrection.
Contributions may be made to the Batesville United Methodist Church, the American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or the Batesville EMS.
There will be a graveside service at Bethel Cemetery in Bethel Park, PA., Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 11 a.m.