Obituary of Barbara Austin Withey

Barbara Austin Withey, 89, of Homer NY, passed away January 29, 2014 with family by her side. She was born April 6, 1924 in Cortland the daughter of the late Floyd and Pearl Hopkins Austin. Barbara was raised and educated locally graduating from Cortland High School in 1942. After graduation she entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington, D.C. in the communications department during WWII. After serving her country, Barbara returned home and was married in 1947 to her late husband Elwyn. Soon thereafter, they began their family. Along with caring for her children, Barbara worked on the family farm. She had also been employed with Smith Corona, Brockway Trucks, Brown Machinery, and then worked as a private bookkeeper for area business'. Her memberships and activities included being a 4 H Leader, member of the Spafford Fireman's Auxiliary, Homer American Legion, and Scott Sr. Citizen's Club. She was an advocate for the Women's Veteran's Memorial, an active volunteer with the Salvation Army and Senior Citizen's Task Force. She is survived by her son Douglas (Marian) Withey of Cortland NY, her daughters Marilyn (Robert) Thayer of Mexico NY, Judy (Howard) Hall of Homer NY, Madelene (Roland) Troeger of Germany, Joni (Rick) Shingler of Homer, Jacqueline (Dan) Boyden of Truxton NY, many grandchildren, great grandchildren , nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband Elwyn Withey and all her siblings. Calling hours will be Friday 4-7 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. Funeral services will be Saturday 10 am at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, with Rev John Aukema presiding. Burial will be in the spring at the Cold Brook Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Scott Sr. Citizen's or Women In Military Service for America Memorial, www.womensmemorial.org To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com