Barbara J. VanOrden

Mrs. Barbara J. VanOrden

Port Jervis, NY

Mrs. Barbara J. VanOrden, of Port Jervis, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence. She was 78 years old.

Born on February 7, 1947, in Franklin, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Leonard Bales and the late Laura May Sisco.

Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a kind-hearted woman who would go out of her way to help others. Known for her warm presence and caring spirit, Barbara cherished time spent on her front porch, where she would talk with neighbors, friends, and family - always ready to lend an ear, share a story, or offer support.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kenneth VanOrden, with whom she shared many cherished years of marriage; her sister, Doris Cantaluppi and husband Rick; her children: Joseph Hendershot Jr., Sarah Hendershot and her companion Henry Conklin, Leonard Hendershot and his wife Margaret, Gary Smolaga, Tammy Taylor and her husband Monty, Lee Hendershot and his wife Crystal, and Jerry Hendershot and his wife Diane and her son-in-law, Shane Taylor.

Barbara is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her great joy and pride.

She was predeceased by her brother, Gary Bales; her daughter, Laura Taylor; her granddaughters, Brittany and Hope Hendershot; her great grandson, Liam Reilly Conklin; and her former husband, Joseph Hendershot.

Barbara's kindness, strength, and love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, Inc., 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. A service will follow at 12:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Amy Garrett officiating.

Burial will be in the Clove Cemetery, Sussex, NJ.

Funeral arrangements are by the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.