Jane Barber

Jane H. Barber, 87, of Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, died February 7, 2014, at Hospice & Community Care, Mt. Joy. She was preceded in death by her first husband John H. Hartman and her second husband Eugene Barber.

She was the daughter of the late John G. and Margaret (Rhoads) Horst.

Jane was a private music teacher. She was a member of Pearl Street U.M. Church, Lancaster, where her music ministry spanned nearly 62 years of service, directing choirs and playing piano.

Her civic interests included Silver Threads, Optimists, and working with handicapped children. Jane was the pianist for the swing and jazz band, Sound of Roses. Jane joined the Sound of Roses Big Band in 1989 playing the piano. She quickly became a part of the band family, attending Wednesday practices, playing the gigs, and socializing at picnics and gatherings. She loved being in the band, saying it gave her life new meaning. While in the band, Jane met and married Gene Barber, a trombone player who also joined the Sound of Roses. Sadly, Gene passed away, but Jane continued to play until September 2013. Her happiness in life rubbed off on all the band members. We were blessed by her presence and will love her always.

Jane loved to garden, was a creative decorator and especially enjoyed time shared with her family.

She is survived by her long-time companion Dick Baird, Lancaster; her daughter-in-law Carol Hartman, Harvard, MA; grandchildren Kelly Jork, Neil and Jacob Hartman; seven great grandchildren, and two sisters, Julia Reed and Veanna, married to Ralph “Red” Baxter, both of Honey Brook.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a son Jeffrey Hartman and a brother J. Lemar Horst.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 11 at 11 a.m. at Pearl St. United Methodist Church, 133 Pearl St., Lancaster, PA 17603. A viewing will be held at the Groff-High Funeral Home on Monday from 5 – 7 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 – 11 a.m. Interment will be in Bridgeville E. C. Church Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be sent to Pearl St. United Methodist Church, address above. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.