Barbara A. Altmire

Barbara Altmire (nee Matson), 88, of Apollo, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, surrounded by family at her home.
Born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, on August 2, 1937, to Ruby Fritz and N. Laverne Matson, Barbara was a lifelong educator with a distinguished career. After graduating from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1959 with her bachelor's degree in elementary education, Barbara began her career as an elementary school teacher at the Kiski Area School District. Her dedication led her to obtain a master's degree in education in 1964, along with graduate certifications at the University of Pittsburgh for Reading Specialist, Reading Supervisor, and Elementary Principal. Barbara was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma professional society for women educators (Alle-Kiski Chapter) and a state member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) and Zeta Tau Alpha. She retired in 1993 from the Kiski Area School District after 35 years and consulted for 1 year in the Armstrong School District.
On March 18, 1960, she married the love of her life, James W. Altmire, from Apollo, Pennsylvania. They built a wonderful life together for 43 years; engaging in their community, caring for their family, and enjoying trips to Myrtle Beach.
Beyond her professional life, Barbara was a devoted and faithful member of the First Lutheran Church of Apollo. She was an avid gardener, finding joy in the beauty of nature and her amazing flower gardens and yard. Barbara loved swimming in her beautiful pool. Golfing and bridge were also favorite pastimes. Her family and friends will remember her for her infectious laugh, her uncanny way of telling stories, and her ability to make others feel loved and cherished.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, James W. Altmire (2003), of Apollo, Pennsylvania, and her parents, N. Laverne Matson (1972) and Ruby Fritz Matson (2001), both of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.
She is survived by her brother, Joseph P. Matson, of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, and Gerald Altmire, her brother-in-law, of Elderton, Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00 am until the hour of the service at 11:00 am in the Apollo First Evangelical Church 214 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Apollo, PA 15613 with Pastor Philip Ramstad and Pastor Caroline Clifford officiating. Private burial in Riverview Cemetery, Apollo.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Barb's memory to the First Lutheran Church, or the charity of one's choice.