Barbara W. Schuessler

Barbara W. Schuessler passed away on September 2, 2025, at her residence in Shrewsbury, PA, where she had lived for four years.

A daughter of John and Jean Ward, Barbara was born on May 22, 1941, in Windsor, NJ. She graduated from St. Mary’s Hall in Burlington, NJ, in 1959. She then attended Marjorie Webster College for one year. Barb married Chris Perry in 1960, and while helping to raise their two children, was very active in her community, which included the Junior League Nationwide Women’s Group, and the League of Women’s Voters, a group providing education on politics.

Barb married Leonard ‘Dub’ Schuessler in 1987, whom she met in Albuquerque, NM. Together, they crewed for the American Airlines hot air balloon service for many years. During this season of her life, Barb was a self-employed daycare provider, and she and Leonard helped plant a church.

They later moved to Weed, NM, to be near her parents and brother, and fell in love with the area and its residents. During her time living in Weed, she co-owned a real estate office and the local cafe. She enjoyed supporting the local ranchers, fire department, and also helped organize the annual Blue Grass Festival each summer. She and Leonard remained active in their church, too.

Barb and Dub eventually moved to Bedford, TX, a suburb of Dallas, to be near family in their later years. After Dub passed in December of 2020, Barbara moved to Shrewsbury, PA, to be near her daughter.

Throughout her lifetime, Barbara was always active in her local church, serving on committees and being part of the choir. Music was one of her loves outside her family, and she was especially a big Gaither fan. Barb played the piano for many years. Further, she loved listening to music and hearing it performed whenever she had the opportunity.

Barbara was a big animal lover, especially dogs, and had many over the course of her life. Other interests included food, cooking, and gardening; exercise, specifically swimming and walking; and traveling. Barb was fortunate to have visited Bermuda, Europe, Alaska, and many Caribbean Islands. She also enjoyed taking cruises.

Additional interests included a lifelong love of playing cards such as Bridge, Canasta, and Solitaire, to name just a few. More recently, Barbara was a frequent BINGO participant, and she enjoyed working on crossword puzzles. Another big interest throughout her life was reading, and she liked to keep track of how many she read.

Barbara shared her gifts of encouragement, hospitality, kindness, and organization wherever she went. She was also very social and was always interested in being helpful and serving others in any way she could. Barb was known for engaging people wherever she found herself and learning their life stories.

Surviving Barbara are her brother Tom Ward and his wife Patricia of Weed, NM; a son Jeff Perry and his wife Marti and daughter Kristina of Belen, NM; and a daughter Kim Hoyt and her husband Bob of Stewartstown, PA.

Barbara will be missed by many. Well done, my good and faithful servant.

A celebration of life service will be held at Stewartstown United Methodist Church, 26 S Main Street, Stewartstown, PA 17363, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon. A private service will take place for her interment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to SpiriTrust Lutheran Foundation, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA, 17404.