On Friday, December 17, 2021 Barbara Fay Rohrbach (a.k.a Mom, Grammy, Mimi) rejoined the love of her life, Ernie Rohrbach, to whom she was married for 45 years, and other members of her large, loving family—her parents Rudolph and Rose Schmaldinst, and her siblings Raymond (and Shirley), Rose (and Bill), Elsie (and Mark), and Dorothy (and Jim). Her other siblings, Theresa (and LeRoy) and Richard (and Cindy), will miss her dearly.

Barbara was the second youngest in a family of seven, and a daughter to a superb woodworker. When she and her siblings entered adulthood, her parents offered their land to them and their spouses. Therefore, Barbara and Ernie built a home nestled in an idyllic wooded area surrounded by family. They dedicated their lives to raising their five children with strong family morals at its core. Ernie (and Dawn), Eric, Lisa, Lori (and Russ), and Chris (and Stacie) will always treasure what their parents gave and taught them.

Anchored by an incredibly strong faith and love for God, Barbara continually used prayer as a means of giving thanks for all of life's goodness. She also looked to God to build and sustain hope and strength in times of need. We celebrate her return to His kingdom and are thankful for the peace she now enjoys.

Undoubtedly, people were at the center of Barbara's life. She always saw the best in them and was quick to offer words of encouragement when needed. Barbara had a particular sweet spot for children. She ran a daycare out of her home for many years and treated all of the children she watched as her own. To this day, many of them still refer to her as 'mom'. Barbara had a play area that was second to none. She spent countless hours coloring with the children and reading to them while cuddling on the couch. Over the years, Barbara was also thrilled to do these activities and others with her children, grandchildren—Tina (and Andy), Nick, Adam (and Lauren), Kyle, Tabitha (and Taylor), Russell, Aaron, Brandon, Siena, Sage, David, Jim (and Jamie), and Erin (and Luke)—and with her great grandchildren—Montana, Madelyne, Mason, Mekena, Mekiyah, Caleb, Sammy, Emily, Molly, Abigail, Lucy, Gage, Kinley, Justin, Kyle, Sabrina (and Christopher), Shane, Skyla, Sabella, Angelica, and Jeffery. Barbara adored all of the children in her life, which was evident in the many photographs that she proudly hung in every nook and cranny throughout her house.

Barbara's home—which was jam-packed with books, photographs of family and friends, antiques, knick-knacks, and a plethora of elephants—was her oasis. She loved tending to her garden and caring for the many birds who called her yard home. Whether enjoying time with her family relaxing around the dining table or chatting with friends on the back porch, Barbara welcomed visitors with opening arms, a big smile, and a warm hello. People eagerly gathered at her home because it was always filled with love, laughter, good food, and lots of music. All those who knew Barbara no doubt have fond memories of hours spent playing games with her. She always suggested diving into rounds of Liverpool Rummy and her audible 'awwww' when someone took a card she wanted will forever conjure up smiles.

Although she cherished her home, Barbara also looked forward to the clambakes, picnics, and family gatherings that were peppered throughout each year. She loved spending time with her extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews—you know who you are. Barbara could also bake like nobody's business and made the best whoopie pies on the planet. Thanks to her, family gatherings were always filled with more sweets than anyone could handle.

Barbara will forever be remembered as the light in our lives and we'll continually strive to fulfill her mantra, "Think positive." We hope that she's having a great time rollerskating with Ernie and we look forward to the day we see her again.

Calling hour will take place at St. Peter's Union Church in Macungie, PA on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 10am with a service immediately following at 11am. Masks will be required for the viewing and funeral.  In lieu of flowers, please feel welcome to contribute to the National MS Society, the American Cancer Society, and/or St. Peters Place or St. Peter's Union Church in Barbara's name.  Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.