Rev. Barbara J. Roberts

Rev. Barbara J. Roberts, 82, of Nanticoke, passed away on Sunday January 19, 2025, after a brief illness.
Barbara was born February 27, 1942, in Nanticoke and was the daughter of the late Arnold an Ivy Rolfe Thomas.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband, John Roberts, and her son, William Sharp.
Surviving are her son, James Sharp, of Missouri; daughter, Kathleen Petriga, with whom she resided for the last several years; grandchildren, Steven, Liana, Taryn, and Alexandra.
Barb always enjoyed traveling, she and John were so fortunate to travel to so many destinations; Hawaii, Australia, England, and cruising all over the Carribean were some of her favorites. She was a great baker and always took pride in making so many different cookies and goodies for the holidays, for her family to enjoy. Barb was an amazing seamstress and could make almost anything you could think of; crafts of all kinds, the most amazing Halloween costumes for her kids when they were growing up, dolls, blankets, etc. She could always be found at the fabric store, looking for patterns and material for her next project. Barb was also an avid reader. She loved trips to the library or bookstore and could often be seen at the lending library at the park, swapping books. Barb was also a fabulous vocalist. She was the youth choir director when her kids were young, and a part of the church choir. Barb was a member of Cambrian Club, St. David's Society, Eastern Star, and United Methodist Women, just to name a few.
Barb had been employed through various employers including Rosen, Jenkins and Greenwald, 11th Congressional District Region Equipment Center, and Dr. Albin Susek, DDS, before following her heart and passion, which led her to her ministry career.
Barb began her ministry as a lay speaker and quickly realized this was her true calling. She went on to become licensed for Pastoral Ministry with the United Methodist Church, and from that point forward, was known as Pastor Barb or PBR (Pastor Barb Roberts) as some of her youth group liked to call her. Barb served as the pastor for Moosic UMC, Moosic, PA (Susquehanna Conference), Abbott UMC, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Bennett-Derr UMC, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Plains UMC, Plains, PA (All part of the Wyoming Conference). The impact this role played in her life in beyond measure. She was so very blessed to have been part of something so incredibly powerful, that allowed her to connect with so many people.
A memorial service will be held on her birthday, Thursday February 27, at 7 p.m. from Dinelli Family Funeral Home, 170 East Broad Street, Nanticoke, with the Rev. Jane O'Borski, pastor of Heshbon Park United Methodist Church, Williamsport, officiating.
Friends may call between 4 – 7 p.m.. Private interment will be at a later date in Nanticoke Cemetery.
We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the staff at Second Family Memory Care Center. The genuine love and care over the years allowed her to happily live her life every day with grace and dignity, surrounded by love, compassion, and friendship. She loved you all so much.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the SPCA of Luzerne County.