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Barbara C. Hollis, age 94 of Summit Hills in Spartanburg, SC and formerly of Lakewood, NY passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 with her family by her side.
Barbara was born on January 27, 1932 to the late Edward and Kathryn Campbell in Bolivar, NY. Affectionally known as Barb, she was also known as Grandma, Nana, and Barbie by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barb was a devoted wife, sister, and mother as well. She was married to her beloved husband, the late Ralph Hollis for 61 years. Barb was a graduate of Bolivar Central and attended Buffalo State Teachers College.
For many years, Barb made her home on Summit Ave. in Lakewood on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Barb enjoyed the simple treasures of life, devoting time to her gardening, crafts, recreational activities and most importantly, family. Barb had a large circle of friends and was active in multiple community and civic activities. She was a life member of the Lakewood Women's Club, a previous member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club Auxiliary, and Garden Club, along with golf and bowling leagues. Barb also served as a member of the former WCA Hospital Auxiliary and was a volunteer at the Lakewood Memorial Library. Additionally, Barb acquired many more friends while wintering with Ralph in Surfside Beach, SC for nearly 30 years.
Barb was an accomplished bridge player and participated in local bridge clubs for many years, right up until weeks before her death. A sports enthusiast, Barb's Sunday afternoon's were reserved for watching a good golf match or her beloved Buffalo Bills. Barb was a fabulous knitter and spent many hours creating outerwear and blankets for her extended family.
Besides her parents and husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her twin daughter, Diane Hill, granddaughter, Amy Lynn Sanders, and sister, Nancy MacDonell. She is survived by her twin daughter, Debbie (late husband Rick) Sanders of North Fort Meyers, FL, sons, Carter (Diane) Hollis of Spartanburg, SC, and Kim (Cathy) Hollis of Gainesville, GA. Grandchildren are Susan (Steve) Umstead of Lockport, NY, Julie (Adam) Galaska of Rush, NY, Kathryn (Kevin) Daly of Elbridge, NY, Matt Hill of Raleigh, NC, Jason (Kate) Hollis of Dublin, Ireland, Ryan (Megan) Hollis of Nashville, TN, Sarah (Marcus) Stowe of Flowery Branch, GA, and Hilary (Casey) Spear of Gainesville, GA. Great-grandchildren include Hunter and Noah Umstead of Lockport, NY, Jade Galaska of Rush, NY, Madison and Jack Daly of Elbridge, NY, Ireland and Riley Hill of Elbridge, NY, Ethan, Finley and Isla Hollis of Dublin, Ireland, Charlotte and Greyson Hollis of Nashville, TN, and Matthew (Rachel), Joshua, Jackson, and Scarlet Stowe, all of Flowery Branch, GA.
The family wishes to extend appreciation to the caring staff at Spartanburg Regional Hospice and special friend and caregiver, Michelle Griffon.
A private memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in the chapel at Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Memorials in Barbara's memory can be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home at spartanburgregional.com or Lakewood Memorial Library at lakewoodlibrary.org.