Barbara Ann Yard
May 19, 1970 ~ March 28, 2016
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Barbara (Barbie) Ann Yard, 45, of Franklin, departed from this life as we know on Monday, March 28th at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh after a long battle with cancer. She is moving on to the next chapter; not leaving us, but looking over us and guiding us along the way. She will be dearly missed by all she has touched along the way. Barbie was a very special woman, loving mother, wonderful wife, daughter, sister, and friend. She was so much to so many, always putting other’s needs and wants before her own. Barbie was born in Franklin on May 19, 1970 and was the daughter of John and Anna Baker Burkett, who survive. She was a graduate of Slippery Rock University and was employed at the North West Planning Commission. Barbie was married to Richard Yard, who also survives. She spent most of her time with her family and friends. She was the soccer mom to say the least. She supported and took her children to all of their sporting events and practices. Whether it was soccer, swimming, baseball, basketball or football; she was always there, no matter what. She was the loudest one cheering for her kids and their teams. She also loved holidays and spending time with her family; she could not wait for the next holiday to come or to spend time with her mother, father, brother and sister. She was a member of St John’s Episcopal Church in Franklin.Barbie was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ann and Frank Baker; her paternal grandparents, Evelyn and James J. Burkett; several uncles and aunts; and her niece, Anaysia.Barbie will be watching over her parents, John and Ann Burkett, of Franklin; her husband, Richard, of Franklin; her children: Hailey (Hamy) and Ben; and all of her family and friends. She is also survived by her brother, John Burkett II, and his wife, Tina, of York; her nephew, John Burkett III, and his wife, Hilary, of Ellwood City; her sister, Amy Arvin, and her husband, Bob, of York; and her nieces. Ellana and Elise Arvin, of York. She is additionally survived by her in-laws, their families; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, PA Division Inc., PO Box 896, Hershey, PA 17033-0896.Friends and family will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Thursday, March 31, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, April 1st at 10:00 a.m., with the Rev. David Janz, pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, officiating. To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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I am so very sorry, sending many prayers to Rich, her children and family. She was a very kind person with a smile for everyone. May you find comfort, courage and strength in the days ahead. God Bless
Barb was one of nicest girls I had the pleasure of working with in 38 years at the hospital. She was always upbeat, never spoke bad of anyone and worked hard. She will be missed by all of us. There is an angel in heaven watching over you now. Take comfort in knowing this. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
So sorry to read of Barb’s passing. May God be with you all and carry you through these difficult days.
My special friend that always was part of our family. You always made my dad’s day when you came over and talked to him while I was taking my time to get ready to go out on the town with you. Now you both can be together and talk until we meet again. Bless you for being my friend. Chris Graham Esch.
Barb Yard: an extraordinary woman. She battled with fierce courage. She demonstrated to others, love for family and friends. Each “normal” moment for others was an appreciated slice of life for Barb. She leaves us with the example to love large and cherish the moments of life; which too often we take for granted. Be it a day at the soccer field or the pool, Barb loved to be that mom; the one who cheers, smiles, and encouraged her beautiful children. There never was a doubt of her pride and enthusiastic adoration for her children. Barbie’s intense love and loyalty to her family and friends is beyond comprehension. She was a Godly example of a wife, who loved Rich. We were delighted when she became his bride! You may wonder, who “we” are.
Barb was part of a unique group of friends. We all “reunion” with Rich’s high school friends at the Bailey and Rugh’s for our Ski weekend/Summer fest. Every summer we spend a weekend enjoying each other’s company. We always say we should get together more often. It is a time of water skiing, hours of tubing, swimming and kayaking for the families. Barb’s exuberant laughter and wonderful sense of humor will be missed. It has been a blessing and honor to know this lady. We have been friends for over 20years. We have watched Rich and Barb date, become engaged, married and be blessed with two wonderful children. We have shared sorrow with them upon the loss of Bobby Yard. Who, we know is with her in Heaven.
It is with complete faith, we know Barb is with the Lord. She is not alone, she has been carried by the Angels; as they are commissioned by God to care for his children. (Luke 16 & Hebrews 1:14) She will watch over those she loves. We know Angels among us will guide her family. She will be with us when the sun warms our faces, the cool air at the soccer field gives a chill, the sound of the water lapping the shore at the beach & when we look to starry sky and know we are better people to have known this beautiful sweet woman.
With all our love, affection and condolences to the entire Yard family
Your friends,
The Perry, Bailey, Rugh, Bickel, Bower, & Marvin families.
May she rest in peace and be remembered for the good things in the life she held.
I had the pleasure of working with Barb everyday for the last 4 years at the Northwest Commission. Despite everything she was going through, Barb came to work with a smile on her face. She was an inspiration to us all. I will miss our long talks and just having her here. She was truly a blessing in our office. My heart aches for Rich, Hailey, Ben and Family. I pray that God wraps you all in his arms and comforts you during this difficult time. I know that Barb loved Angels; she now has her own angel wings and will be flying high above us all looking down smiling, free of pain.
Sherry Stoltenburg. Barb and I became “partners in healing” when I met her through my job at Franklin Womens Health. I shared my story of breast cancer with her and we had many talks of strength over the years. Be comforted in knowing she was so strong and a beautiful person. She has truly earned her place in heaven. My condolences to her entire family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Barb and i worked in the same business area at the hospital when it was in Oil City. She always had a smile. You are in our prayers.
Sharyn and Bob Stephenson
My thoughts and prayers are with the Yard family. I remember Barb smiling at family events and being a wonderful person. You have my deepest sympathies.
Joey Fuchs
*Joanna M. Fuchs
What an awesome family!!! Barb was always at the soccer games watching her favorite kids. Will miss seeing her smiling face at the games. So SORRY for your loss. Praying for you Rich, Hailey and Ben!!
I remember growing up with Barbie and her brother and sister, spending summers in PA and going to all the family gatherings with the rest of the Burkett family. Will miss you Barbie.
Barb was a very special lady and will missed by many.God has a new angel in heaven.sending love and prayers to family.She will be missed but never forgotten,.always know she is near and watching over you
RiP Uncle Rich@Aunt Ruth Burkett
So sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She always had a smile for everyone. She was an amazing lady.
She will be missed. Your family is in my family’s prayers.