Barbara Jean Bales

Barbara Jean Bales, Lewistown, entered into God's care on April 23, 2008, at her home after a very long and courageous battle with amyloidosis and leukemia surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Edwin D. Bales, who died in 1980.

Born January 13, 1931, Jean was the daughter of the late Marshall Luther and Dorothy (Eigenbrode) Leatherman.

Jean grew up on her parent's farm in Lewistown and graduated from Frederick High School. After marriage, she farmed on the Bales' farm in Lewistown along with her husband until his death.

In recent years, she enjoyed working at the 7-Eleven stores in Lewistown and Green Valley, retiring when she could no longer work due to declining health. She also worked at the Catoctin Mountain Orchard, and leaves behind many cherished relationships she established during these years.

Jean was a giving, kind and fun-loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend who will be deeply missed by all. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ and assisted with many of the kitchen outreach projects. She worked at the church booth at the Great Frederick Fair for the past 18 years and helped with food preparation for the church's Colorfest event for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing and greeting many friends throughout the county. She was also involved with the Frederick County Farm Bureau, attending meetings and helping with their annual butchering. She enjoyed helping with the Lewistown Ruritan barbeques and the Lewistown Fire Company suppers for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed hosing picnics and dinners for family and friends; and going out to eat with a special group of dear friends. She will be dearly missed and remembered fondly by her family and many friends she has met and the close relationships she established along life's way.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Arthur Crouse of Frederick; two sons and daughter-in-laws, James E. and Cheryl Bales of Frederick, and David L. and Tamara Bales of Lewistown. She is also survived by six loving grandchildren, James E. Bales, Jr. and wife Amanda, Kristen Bales and companion Andrew McGinnes, Brandon Crouse, Jared Crouse, Ashley Bales, and Jeremy Bales. Also surviving is her special great granddaughter, Madyson Nicole McGinnes.

She is also survived by her loving sister, Mary Jane (Tootie) Lenhart and husband Charles of Thurmont; and one uncle, William Leatherman of College View Center. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Debra Ellis, Michael Lenhart, Gary Leatherman, Beverly Arnett, and Don Ward.

She was preceded in death also by her brother, Robert L. Leatherman.

Visitation: Friends may call at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont, Md on Friday, April 25th from 3 until 9 PM where the family will be in attendance from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM.

Services: Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 E. Main Street, Thurmont, with Pastor Les Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Rest Haven