Barbara Houchins Sweetwood - Obituary

Oct. 8, 1938 - Mar. 31, 2016

Barbara Sweetwood, 77, of Ronceverte, WV died peacefully in hospice care on March 31, 2016 after a long standing illness. She was at peace and surrounded by loved ones in her final days.

Born on October 8, 1938 in Ronceverte, WV, she was the daughter of the late Robert Glenn Houchins and his late wife Verna Gibson Grove Houchins.

Barbara went to Greenbrier High School and lived in Greenbrier County the majority of her life. She was married in 1959 to the late Karl Arnold Sweetwood, Jr. (Jimmy Sweetwood). She raised a wonderful family while also working in the accounting and administrative fields in positions with the Greenbrier Hotel and the WV Corrections Office.  Barbara was a pillar in the community and a dedicated volunteer. She was recently recognized for fifty years of membership and service with the Ronceverte Woman's Club.

One of Barbara's first achievements while with the Woman's Club was the dedication of the Pearl Buck Home Place on the National Register of Historic Places. Barbara also served on the Ronceverte River Festival Board, diligently supporting the event for the past twenty-seven years. She was a devoted member of the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, where she spearheaded special programs for children in need. As a member of the Friends of the Library, she could be found at every River Festival serving strawberry shortcake to visitors. Most recently, Barbara was instrumental in the establishment of the Ronceverte Museum during the September Heritage Days festivities in downtown. The town of Ronceverte will surely miss her hard work and enthusiasm. Above all, she loved her family, cherished her friendships, and she was strong in her faith.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Chris Sweetwood (Adele Sweetwood) and Jim Sweetwood (Rose Sweetwood); and grandchildren, Dylan Sweetwood, Cole Sweetwood, and Daisy Sweetwood.

A funeral service to honor the life of Barbara Sweetwood will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 4, 2016 at Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, 305 Locust Street, Ronceverte, WV, 24970 with Rev. Stephen Baldwin officiating, followed by the burial service at Riverview Cemetery, Teaberry Road.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 3, from 4-6 pm at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, 212 Monroe Avenue, Ronceverte, WV, 24970.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to your local Hospice or to the Ronceverte Presbyterian Church.