Sylvia S. Barnhart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful and beloved mother, Sylvia (Sibby) Barnhart, 89, who left us peacefully on January 15th. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother to her three children, and a cherished friend to many in her Small Group and Sunday School class, and a best friend especially to her twin sister, Louise (Weezie) Wentzel.

Born on June 22, 1936, Sibby dedicated her life to the well-being of her family. Her children were her world, and through her unwavering love and support, she nurtured us with kindness, strength, and compassion. She shared 65 plus years with her husband, Tom, with whom she created countless beautiful memories especially during their vacations to Chincoteague, Virginia camping in the trailer. There, she found bliss simply by sitting in her beach chair at the water, engrossed in a good book with the gentle sound of waves in the background.

A woman of deep faith, Mum loved Jesus and made devotionals a daily part of her life, listening to Chuck Swindoll and singing along to the Statler Brothers on the radio. She inspired those around her by always listening to programs like Focus on the Family and sharing her insights from her prayer warrior heart. Her culinary skills brought the family together, as she lovingly prepared meals, ensuring that we were all well looked after.

She also enjoyed creating many ceramic gifts which she would lovingly paint and present to us at Holidays. We also benefitted from her gift as a Seamstress, where she would make matching Easter outfits for us girls, repair ripped jeans and lovingly hem and stich repairs for us while visiting our homes.

Sibby leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories. She will be profoundly missed but will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. We are encouraged to believe that she is with Daddy in Heaven, where we know both she and Daddy heard these words from our Lord and Savior, Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We love you Mummy. Thank you, Jesus, for the blessing us with her. You are a good, good Father.

Sylvia L. Barnhart was born on June 22, 1936, in Greencastle, PA to the late Earl F. and Sylvia A. (McCarney) Sellers.

Sylvia was employed by Weaver Industries in Denver, PA as an administrative assistant until her retirement. She was a member of the Lancaster Evangelical Free Church in Lititz, PA where she was active in serving in the nursery and participated in Small Groups, and Sunday School.

She was married to her beloved husband Thomas L. Barnhart on June 26, 1960, who passed away just three days later on January 18, 2026; children Julie Burns and her husband John of Womelsdorf, PA; Margaret Pro and her husband Robert of Birmingham, AL; Thomas Barnhart, II and his wife Rebecca of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren Elijah Burns, Laurie Burns, Carson Burns, Joshua Pro, Norah Pro, and Sawyer Pro; great grandson, James Pro; sisters Louise Wentzel of Chambersburg, PA and Sherry Foreman of Chambersburg, PA; brothers Terry Sellers of Chambersburg, PA and Chris Sellers of Greencastle, PA; In addition to her parents, Earl and Sylvia Sellers, she is preceded in death by her brother Thomas “Tommy” Sellers.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC), 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, PA 17543, with Pastor Tony Hunt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Hospital, and/or LEFC’s Benevolence Fund.

Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com