A Tea party play with the girls

Tea party 2022

Oh, Momma Love--how I will miss you. It has been 4 weeks since you passed into Glory; while I rejoice that you are experiencing such indescribable joy and peace in the arms of Christ, your absence is still painful for those of us left on this earth. Ever since I started spending considerable time at the Love house over 35 years ago, you and Mr. Love always made me feel like I had been adopted into your family as an honorary daughter. And both of you have always felt like a second set of parents to me. I can say, in all honesty, that you were one of the most grounded, wise, Christ-centered people I've ever been privileged to meet. And you and Mr. Love raised a family of people that I can say the same thing about, which is a real testament to your faithfulness, love, and guidance. Whatever the situation, your practical, faith-filled wisdom always, always oriented people back to the Lord, and to trust in Him. You truly spoke and acted in ways that exemplified the hands and feet of Christ, and your life was a powerful witness to everyone you met. I admire you so very much, and you were a pivotal person in the spiritual formation of my youth--you stood as a shining example of what it is to be a woman of God. And you were funny--lighthearted, quick to laugh, delighting in simple pleasures, and also able to laugh at yourself and the frequent ridiculousness of life. Your mind was curious, and you never limited the power of our Creator--you were fascinated by how things worked, the miraculousness of the human body, the wonders of the universe both without and within. And in those conversations of awe and curiosity, you always pointed back to the One through which all things were made. You were the queen of tea parties (which were legendary, by the way), and sparkly things, and bringing beauty and light into everyday life. You were able to make a real, welcoming home for all who entered your house, and to make them feel a part of it (I remember that grating cheese was often my job when I was there for Friday night on Fridays, or peeling potatoes with a paring knife for fries). It was such a great honor to know you, and to spend time talking with you over the years. I am eternally grateful that the Lord gifted me with your presence. I love you, and look forward to seeing you again in the Lord's Kingdom, where there is no more pain, death, or suffering, and where we live forever in praise of the One who redeemed us.   

Tea party, 2021

I'm so sorry to hear of Aunt Barb's passing. My heart breaks for all of you. She was a special lady, so full of love! I'm  still having a hard time believing she's no longer with us. 

I do rejoice in the knowledge that I will see her again and that she's in the presence of her Savior now and no longer in any pain. 

She was an amazing person and eventhough I wasn't able to visit often, I miss her. 

Mrs Love. There is so much to say, but I lack the words to adequately describe how she so positively affected my life and so many others.  Mrs. Love was a force, but not the one that would smack you in the face. She was the quiet, gentle, and humble soul who created a home where everyone wanted to be. My memories date back to early childhood and I don’t think I was ever in the Love‘s home where there weren’t other kids hanging out. She created a place where kids and teenagers of all ages wanted to be. Everyone felt welcomed. Everyone felt loved. She allowed us as kids to have a freedom to explore and be creative and ask questions while reminding us who we were and Whose we were.  One early childhood memory that I will never forget was when we were driving somewhere far and we passed a bad car accident.  Mrs. Love immediately stopped all conversation and prayed out loud for all of the people involved as she drove us to our destination. That made a huge impression on me and I still do that to this day! Even after years of living outside of PA, Mrs Love always welcomed my family over to visit and would insist we stay for the best tomato soup and grilled cheese lunch!  I can’t think about Mrs. Love without smiling and I know that she alone was inspirational in making Heaven crowded!  I am so thankful that Mrs. Love was in my life and I’m so grateful that my children and husband were able to meet her!  I keep imagining that my dad was there to welcome her into heaven for a glorious reunion and although we are sad for us, how can we not be happy that the two of them celebrating with our Lord in Paradise?  So until we see each other again, Mrs. Love, I will carry my lipstick and smile every time I put it on! 💙🩵💜

I send my love and prayers to all of the Love family. Grief is heavy when the person we lose is so special and loved. 

I've been good friends with Beth since high school and I had the pleasure of a few interactions with Barb. I recall when Korry and Beth were dating they had this fall event at his parent's house. How gracious of them to open their property to a bunch of 20 something adults. I recall them being genuinely happy to have us all there and had such kindness and joy. Even joining in on thr festivities and chatting with all of us.  I have this one funny little moment that makes me chuckle.  I was with Beth and Korry and we stopped at his parent's house. I recall his mom had washed some zip loc bags and had them drying around the living room. Having 6 kids and growing up in an era of save and reuse everything it made sense to see plastic bags drying. I remember Korry being a tad embarrassed and asking his mom if she really needed these out with guests around. I think he even scrambled around trying to remove the bags that were hanging all around.  She just laughed it off and wondered what the big deal was. I recall the home feeling cozy and welcoming along with laughter. One other memory that sticks out to me was at Beth's baby shower for Bri. Mrs. Love was soo excited for another grandbaby to arrive. I remember her laughing about wearing blue in hopes of a grandson but was filled with joy no matter the gender. 

Though they are just quick, small memories, the common thread is I witnessed kindness, joy, and love from Barb.  Those qualities exhibited in her carry on in all of her family members. A legacy to be proud of.  

I am so sorry that you are walking this hard road of loss, Love family. I pray that you feel the comfort of the Prince of Peace in a real way.

Mrs. Love was such a special person. She exuded Jesus. She was loving, welcoming, and so hospitable. I have fond memories of many Sunday afternoons at the Love home. Mrs. Love invested in the lives of the youth at what was then known as Evangel. I remember fondly her homemade pizza, cups of tea, swinging, her love for marcasite jewelry, and star gazing. When I was in college and had a summer astronomy course, Mrs. Love accompanied me to an evening of star gazing at the planetarium and observatory. What a fun time we had together! She was the friendliest greeter someone could ask for at a wedding, and had sound advice. Thank you Love family for sharing Barbara Jean with the rest of us growing up. She was truly a gift!

With much love,

Jessica Armato (Moyer)

My deepest prayers and sorrows are with this sweet family. I didn't have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Love, but her kindness and grace shines through each of her children. I am so grateful for the kind words and prayers Mrs. Love extended to me and my family as well. I know The Lord heard every one. As dearly as she is missed, and envious as we all are that she is in the presence of our King, she left a legacy of hope and joy and many descendants that continue to share the love of Christ. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. I pray for healing and joy and many happy memories during this time. Much, much love to all of the family. 

I talked to my Mom every day on my way to school for many years -about a 40 minute trip one way.  There were times when she might have had an appointment or something to go to and I’d then tell her I could talk to her the next day -and she’d always would say, “No, no -I can still talk!”.  If there were the rare times our conversations were cut short or something important was happening during the day, she’d ask me to call her on my way home if I had a chance.  My Mom was my friend.  I was only ever able to visit my parents once a year for many years, and it tore my heart every time I had to leave again.  She’d always call to see how I was doing after we were on the road a bit.  My Mom was not an emotional person -but she was full of concern for others.  She was the person you’d talk to if you knew you needed a gracious perspective.  I guess I already knew what she would say, actually!  I look at her passing as if the Lord is saying that I’m old enough now to live without her -but I’ll never be old enough to not miss her.    Thank you, Mom -and thank you, Lord, for my Mom.  I love you so much❤️

I affectionately called Popo, Opop, just to keep her on her toes!  She was an extraordinary lady who was the most gracious person I have known.  I have many memories debating ion theory with her, as she had an uncanny ability to take bits of scientific literature, and turn them into full scale hypotheses!  I will miss her rolling her eyes at my bad jokes.  She had an obvious love for the Lord Jesus, as her actions and demeanor said it all.  I look forward to the day that I can see her again, perfected in Heaven!  

That's Barb, more than just a friend.

Our visit to the Love cottage.

The year was 2008. We just arrived in PA, all the way from Singapore. Googled for a church to attend and we found The Church on the Hill. We were the only Chinese family in the church, but were never left out. We experienced the Christ-like love in this place. At the end of the service, a lady came up to us. Stuffed a piece of paper into my hand and said, "Call if you need anything." It was from Barb Love.  We share this with all our families and friends all the time. A memory etched in our lives forever.

What followed after that day, was years of friendship. Each time, my husband was in Allentown for his business trip, he would try to meet up with Bob and Barb.

I kept in touch with Barb through emails. She was such an awesome lady. 

We are so glad to have gone back in 2018 to meet Bob and Barb.

To all her children, your mum spoke very highly about each one of you. All of you are her pride.  As a mum, I have learned much from her.

Sending all our love to the Loves.

My deepest love and sympathies to everyone in the Love family! Growing up I spent a lot of Sunday afternoons there after church.  Mrs. Love was an amazing women, full of wisdom, Gods love and a kindness that made her home feel like a second home to me. She will be deeply missed because she was so deeply loved and had a deep impact on anyone who knew her.  I am grateful for my time spent in her home being loved by her and her family. I know she is whole and at peace in our heavenly father’s arms.  

My Mom was my closest friend but was a mom first and foremost. She would tell me what I needed to hear and not always what I wanted to hear. I appreciated and respected her for that so much especially as I got older. I remember times growing up when she thought my sisters or I were being catty she was on it and wouldn’t have any of it.  That’s a good mom!! She made me laugh all the time with some of her thoughts and theories about all kinds of stuff. Quite the thinker. She had the beauty of being able to laugh at herself which she claims she learned from her grandmother. But the thing that I appreciated the most, other than her warm kindness, was her real faith in Jesus. There is nothing more important or valuable in all of life then to teach and be a living example of sincerely following and obeying the Lord. My Mom was that example and it’s made all the difference in my life. This verse is special to my Mom and I.  Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10. The day I was born the Lord put that on her heart because she was very tired and not feeling like delivering a baby. I did not want to have to say bye for now to my Mom but I know that she is now seeing what she knew and is perfectly whole and at perfect peace! Hallelujah! The Lord is good, our hope and comfort and so so faithful even if we  don’t understand it all on this side of Heaven. Mom you are right you are the lucky one and I don’t have any regrets sweet Mama! Such a amazing courageous women who stared death in the eyes and was not afraid because she knew God. She told me shortly before she passed on to heaven that she knew God would give her what she needed when she needed it. Thank you Jesus! 

My wife, Lucy, Patricia our daughter and I felt very sad when we heard about Barb's call to eternity. Barb's love for humanity had no boundaries. I was sent to the area by Long Island University as a fellowship intern at Rodale Institute in Kutztown. Upon our arrival, my wife and I needed a Pentecostal Church to fellowship with. One of the Rodale colleagues Leeanne, mentioned our desire to Barb and she was very elated to meet me and my wife. Barb and Bob Love invited us to their home the next day for dinner. That was the first invitation my wife and I received into a... family home. And the following Sunday morning Barb sent her two daughters Katy and Jen to pick us up for Church service. That was The Evangel Assembly of God, now The Church On The Hill. That was in the year 1992.  The worship was great. We have remained Christian Family Friends till now.  In fact words are inadequate for me to express the love, wisdom and other experiences my wife and I have gained from our connection with Barb and Bob and the Church. Our heartfelt condolences to the Love's family. May the Lord bless the family with comfort, courage and peace 🙏 🙏 🙏.