Barbara Jean Barker Rumple was born on October 10, 1935, in Denver, NC. She was the youngest child of the late Laura and John Barker who had five children. Barbara played several sports in high school and loved the outdoors – and in particular gardening, fishing and camping. She graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1954. Barbara met the love of her life, Richard Gerald Rumple in 1956. They dated and later married at Unity Presbyterian church on June 20, 1958. Their lives were blessed with two daughters – Sharon Beatty (Tim) and Patty Burns (Eric). Sharon and Patty added six grandsons to the Rumple family – Tyler, Landon and Hayden Beatty, and Jacob (Lauren), Joseph and John Burns. Barbara and Richard have lived in the Charlotte area throughout their married years – first in Denver, then to Oakdale in the early 70s. They later moved to Lake Norman in the 1980s and finally moved to their current residence in Iron Station in 2012.
Barbara worked at Southern Railway for 28 years as a registered secretary for the Chairman of the Board. She retired in 1999. She spent her retirement years volunteering at East Lincoln Christian Ministries, where she met countless friends and served her community. She also worked many years helping manage the Peach Stand in Denver. Barbara was a devout member of Paw Creek Presbyterian church for over 50 years. She served as a Sunday school teacher, on several committees and enjoyed her women’s circle groups.
Barbara spent the last year of her life at The Addison in Lincolnton memory care center. She was well loved and taken care of by a very special staff. She was also given wonderful care by Hospice of Lincolnton in her last months. She was blessed with many visits from both family and friends. Her husband Richard visited her daily. She always greeted him with a smile and a kiss. It was a love story to the very end.
A service to celebrate her life will be held 11:00 am Friday, the 27th of October, 2023 from the graveside of Forest Lawn West Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to either Paw Creek Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Lincolnton.
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