Barbara A. Orndorff

Barbara A. Orndorff, 63, of Gettysburg, PA, entered God’s eternal care, Sunday, April 21, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side.

Born April 22, 1960, in Hanover, PA, she was the loving daughter of Therese H. (Seymore) Eckenrode and the late Richard F. Eckenrode.  Barbara was the loving wife of David F. Orndorff with whom she shared forty years of marriage.

Barbara was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Bonneauville, PA.  She was a former CCD Coordinator, a Eucharist Minister, and a Cantor.

Barbara was a 1978 graduate of Littlestown High School, and 1981 graduate of Harrisburg Area Community College.  She was an administrative assistant for UPMC Hanover for eighteen years until her retirement in 2017.  Barbara’s family was her whole world. She loved spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren whom she adored, was a best friend and confidant to her husband and daughters, and was a proud daughter, sister, and aunt. She had numerous friends and “adopted” children through her various types of work, including coaching cheerleading, running her church’s CCD program, and her work at the hospital. Everyone who walked through her door knew they could count on her to be a listening ear with sage advice, and she became like another parent to many of her children’s friends. Barbara always loved music and was a part of several musical ensembles throughout her life, not only showcasing her beautiful voice, but also her skills in playing the bass guitar. She was also an avid gardener who could grow anything and was always outside tending her plants and creating magical spaces around her home. Her creativity also knew no limits. She was constantly working on sewing and craft projects, usually making things for her grandbabies, or finding a new project for her home. She had an adventurous side, with a love for travel and meeting new people. She loved Ireland,  and St. Patrick’s Day was one of her favorite holidays. She was famous for her delicious Shepherd’s Pie that she made every year. Her faith was her rock and foundation and all who knew her knew of her love and service for God. 

In addition to her loving mother, Therese, and loving husband, David, Barbara is survived by three children, Meghann T. (Orndorff) Shaffer and husband Christopher of Glenville, PA, Katelyn M. (Orndorff) Welch of Hanover, PA, and Allyson R. (Orndorff) Shaffer and husband Nathan of Littlestown, PA; seven grandchildren, Anastasia, Liam, CJ, Quinton, Flynn, Emma, and Lana; and her siblings, Richard F. Eckenrode, Jr. of Gardners, PA, Diane C. Hancock of Hanover, PA, and Daniel L. Eckenrode of Gautier, MS.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM, Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 8 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA, with Father Joseph Gotwalt as celebrant.  A viewing and time to share memories with the family will be held from 6-8PM, Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA. Please feel free to wear pastel colors, especially yellow, as that was her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Barbara’s name to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 8 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 66 East Hanover Street, Gettysburg (Bonneauville), PA is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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