Barbara J. Wise

Barbara was born November 14, 1934, to William C. and Anna Mae (Ort) Nelson in Olean, NY. Her home was in Chipmunk, NY and they moved to Forestville, NY during her sophomore year. She married the love of her life, Richard N. Wise, on July 11th, 1953, in Forestville. They were married 71 years.

Barb was all about family, community, and the Lord. She raised her family in Hamlet, NY. She worked at G C Murphys, picked grapes, worked at Balcom Corner store, in the school cafeteria in South Dayton, and at Gowanda Electronics. Among other transformers and parts, she made a part that went on the space shuttle, a special part for train brakes, and a part required for a Naval ship. It had to wait in port before it could get underway. Barb is a long-time member of the Hamlet United Methodist Church. She served in various capacities, several at the same time. She was the Board Chairperson for about 40 years. She and Rich participated in the services, cleaned and maintained the building, and mowed the lawn. She was the Lay Speaker for the church for decades. Barb taught classes in Junior Grange, 4-H, and was a Girl Scout leader for over 10 years. She was a counselor in Day Camp at Camp Timbercrest. Barb was the Villenova Historian for about 43 years saving information future generations and assisting people interested in town and family history. She took pictures of all the old barns in the Town and compiled an album before they were gone. She did a lot of research to ensure the Town’s veterans were remembered and had the Viking stone placed at the entrance to the Town Hall. She ran wing in the Town Trucks when needed and made oatmeal cookies to keep Rich going, especially during bad snowstorms. Rich and she won the first Chautauqua County snow plowing championship. She served on the Board of Elections and on the grievance board for many years. She and Rich were antique and history buffs. They were lifetime members of the New York Steam Engine Association, the Western New York Gas and Steam Engine Association, and the Chautauqua County Antique Engine Association. They enjoyed displaying treasures and sharing information about their hobby. They also belonged to the Western NY Genealogical Society. She also belonged to the Hillside Club. Barb loved her flowers. She gardened, knitted, crocheted, and made beautiful wedding cakes. She loved her family and did countless things for their growth and happiness.

Barb is predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister, Beverly (Rodney) Case. She is survived by a son, Roger (Anita) Wise of Cherry Creek, and daughters, Louise “LuAnn” (Donnie) Lindquist of Stockton and Sandra “Sandy” (Emery) Masiker of Liberty, KY. Grandchildren Sara Wise, Rachael (Tim) Wright, Laura (Wilton) Miller, Donnie (Gaby) Lindquist, William Lindquist, Eddie Lindahl, Emily (Zack) Ruggles, and great-grandchildren Shelby Johnston, William (Gillian) Johnston, Fiona Wright, and Mazie Ruggles. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Betty Wise, and several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Relatives and friends may visit DiStasio Funeral Home 478 Route 83 at Balcom Corners S. Dayton, NY Monday July 20, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM where a funeral service will immediately follow with David Kelly officiating.

Interment will be in Villenova Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made sent to the Hospice of Cumberland 100 Parkway Dr. Somerset, KY 42503, Chautauqua County Hospice 20 W. Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750, or St. Judes 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made at www.distasiofuneralhome.com.