Barbara J. Gillespie

Barbara J. Gillespie, 84, of Bellefonte, passed away at home on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.

Born on Feb. 5, 1941, in Bellefonte, she was the daughter the late Otto D. and Winifred E. (Lose) Ebeling.

In 1958, she married her beloved husband, James S. Gillespie, who preceded her in death in 2011 after sharing 53 years of marriage together.

Barbara attended St. John’s Catholic School in Bellefonte and was a 1958 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. She worked in the food service department for Penn State for over 25 years until her retirement.

She is survived by her children, James L. Gillespie (Melinda), of Milesburg, Susan J. Warner (Leroy), also of Milesburg, Daniel W. Gillespie (Roni), of Bellefonte, Lorraine A. Port (Russell), also of Bellefonte, and Robert A. Gillespie (Carrie), of Spring Mills; 11 grandchildren, Valarie, Jeremy, Michael, Tyler, Brianna, Chiara, Lacee, Amber, Nathaniel, Rebekah and Nicholas; two step-grandchildren, Crystal and Christopher; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, William Ebeling, Gail Anderson (Robert), Daniel Ebeling (Jean), Candace Cogan, Thomas Ebeling and Timothy Ebeling (Diane); and a brother-in-law, Thomas Gillespie (Sunny).

Along with her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Michael D. Gillespie, in 2005.

Barbara was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte. She enjoyed reading and gardening in her free time.

Barbara especially loved the time spent with her family and loved hosting many holiday meals. Everyone will remember her amazing pies. Barbara treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left an indelible mark on their lives. She also loved her little dog, Ellie.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m., at the funeral home, with Father Brian Saylor officiating.

Burial services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Barbara’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 37108 or by going to www.stjude.org/donate

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com