Obituary of Barbara Jean Sanders

FORT PLAIN - Mrs. Barbara Jean Sanders, age 84, of Fort Plain, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Barbara Jean was born on January 25, 1939, in Little Falls, New York, the daughter of the late Ruth and Clarence Knowlton, of Fort Plain. She was raised and educated in Fort Plain schools, where she enjoyed color guard. She is predeceased by a sibling, Shirley Stetin, of Fort Plain. Barb was employed by various businesses in Fulton County in her lifetime. She retired from Lexington Center as a cook and especially enjoyed her extended family at the Melrose Tavern, in Johnstown, through the years. Barb also enjoyed country and western music all her life, having sung in numerous country bands throughout her early years. Barb really relished her time spent with family, spending most summer days at Pine Lake with her children, Robert, Ronald (Donna), Richard (Trish), Robin (Joe) and Russell (Deborah). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 4 nephews. Barb had an infectious smile, a huge heart, and a lust for life. She had a way to make everyone feel loved and welcomed. Her selflessness and outpouring of love will surely be missed. A Memorial Service of Love and Remembrance will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 32 West Main Street, in St. Johnsville, New York, with Rev. David A. Johnson officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Recreation Department 7, Timmerman Avenue, St. Johnsville, NY 13452. Barb’s family has entrusted her final wishes to the Enea, Ciaccia and Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com This obituary will appear in the Leader Herald newspaper, on Thursday, March 2, 2023.