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Barbara Ann Hoover and her sunny smile passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. Born to Alfred and Elizabeth O'Donald, Barbara grew up surrounded by loving family in the family complex in Altoona. She always said that family is the most important thing. She grew up with a taste for dancing, ballet, opera, sewing, cooking, reading and learning about different cultures.
Barbara married Emmert Dale McGarry shortly after graduating from high school. They had two children, Kathy and Tricia.
Barbara led four different lives in her lifetime: childhood, marriage with childcare, career woman and then marriage with retirement. When she had to go to work, with no experience after her divorce, with her usual tenacity, she worked odd jobs and put herself through school at night. She became an accountant and worked in downtown Washington, D.C., for almost 20 years. She met the love of her next chapter through a coworker, Amy. Ron and Barbara fell in love and were married for 31 beautiful years together before he passed. She died two months later.
Their time together was filled with returning to the Altoona homestead, travel, antique truck shows, visiting friends, volunteering with the Methodist church, family and reunions. They spent time in Williamsburg with Ron's children: Amy, Andi and Frank, and their families, watching soccer games and guitar gigs. They enjoyed holidays with Kathy and grandchildren. They kept in touch with brothers, sisters and cousins through regular reunions that they championed on all sides of the family.
Arrangements are by James Funeral Home, Huntersville, N.C.
A joint celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Greenwood Methodist Church in Altoona.
Online condolences can be made at jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.