Barbara Jean Black

BLACK — Barbara Jean (VanGilder), 57; born Nov. 6, 1959, Danville, Pa.; died Aug. 7, 2017, at home in Deer Park, Wash. Surviving: husband, Mark; sons, M. Alan Black, Walla Walla, Wash.; Nathanael Black, Minot, N.D.; daughters, Jennifer (Black) Erb, Hayden, Idaho; Katelyn Black and Sarah Black, both of Deer Park; and 3 grandsons, Isaac, Asher and Ely Erb.

Barbara Jean Black of Deer Park, Wash., passed from this life on Aug. 7, 2017, at home surrounded by her loving family. She will be very dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Born Nov. 6, 1959 in Danville, Pa., daughter of the late Louis G. Sr and Hazel L (Soper) VanGilder. She graduated from Danville High School class of 1977. She married her husband Mark Black nearly 27 years ago on Oct. 29, 1990. They have five children; M. Alan Black, Jennifer Black Erb, Nathanael Black, Katelyn Black and Sarah Black, and 3 grandsons, Isaac, Asher and Ely Erb.

Barbie had five siblings. She was the baby sister of Louis Jr. and Karen VanGilder of Northumberland, Pa.; David VanGilder and Jane Lewellyn of Shamokin Dam, Pa.; Bonnie (VanGilder) and Toni Rebuck of Muncy, Pa.; Kimmer VanGilder of Danville, Pa.; and Debra (VanGilder) and Bradley Derr of Danville, Pa., who survive. She will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews who dearly loved her. She is also survived by her dearest Aunt June (Soper) Russell with whom she lived when she first moved to California in 1981.

Barbara will be remembered by many for her beautiful singing voice, her excellent vegan cooking and her self-sacrificing love and work for others. Her volunteer work in ministry and humanitarian efforts impacted many lives.

She lived in California until she met and married her husband. She then lived in Colorado, Idaho, and for the last 10 years in Deer Park, Wash. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and friend. She lived her faith in Christ and along with her family spent much time doing mission and humanitarian work in the United States and abroad.