Betty J. Barnhardt

Betty J. (Snyder) Black Barnhardt of Lower Macungie Twp. PA passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior on October 15th, 2025 at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born in Allentown, PA to Harold G. R. Snyder and Florence E. (Smith) Snyder January 8th, 1931. She graduated from Allentown High School in 1948, then Abington Memorial Hospital in 1951 as a Registered Nurse. During her medical career she worked as a nurse at Allentown State Hospital, Allentown General Hospital, and Veterans Hospital in Lyons, NJ. Upon returning to Allentown in 1970 she served as Assistant Administrator at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital. Following her medical career she became a Realtor, culminating in a long-time position at ReMax Realty. Betty has the distinction of having been married more than 25 years. Two times. Her first marriage of 29 years was to Samuel E. Black, until his passing in 1981. Her second marriage of 26 years was to Lyall F. Barnhardt, until his passing in 2013. Later in life, Betty and Dr. Russell B. Puschak were close companions until his passing in 2020. Betty's passion for gardening was well-known, including 50+ years as a contributing member of Allentown Garden Club. Her skills as a seamstress, crafter and knitter are notable and were used to serve a higher calling: sewing, crafting and knitting countless items for the less fortunate in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Betty was also known for her poetry. Betty wrote Christmas and other poems for over 50 years, a number of which were featured in national publications. Her most recent poem follows this obituary. As a long-time active member of First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, she served as a front desk volunteer, Chair of the Flower Committee, and Deacon. Betty is survived by her son Wilson H. Black and his wife Sara Jane Black, grandson Geoffrey S. C. Black, stepdaughter Janice (Black) Geider and her sons Lee and his wife Karol Armbuster, Lynn Armbuster and companion Mary Bachman, Kevin and his wife Robin Armbruster, and Adam and his wife Suzanne Armbruster. Nieces and nephews include John Schultz, Janice (Schultz) Schott, AudieLynn (Hoehle) McGowan and children Leslie and George, Thomas Hoehle and wife Virginia Maroun. Preceding her death were sisters Ruth Schultz, Mary Hoehle, Daisy Hauser, brother James Snyder, and stepson Ronald E. Black. Services: A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am on October 25, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9:30 – 10:45 am at the church. Reception will immediately follow the services. Please help us plan this gathering by RSVP'ing to lovebettybarnhardt@gmail.com*protected email*. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmanstephens.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty's memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104 (fpcallentown.org). So I count my blessings one by one, And greet each new day with the rising sun. Prepared to enjoy life at its best until I reach my final rest. Then I shall see those friends long gone. We'll rejoice together and recall the past, for now we're all together at last. Betty Barnhardt 2025 Betty will be missed.