Barbara Johnson Forward Riddleberger

Barbara Johnson Forward Riddleberger, age 79, died on June 11, 2014 in Harrisonburg, Virginia at home. Barbara was born October 17, 1934 and was the daughter of Edward Hampton Johnson and Talma Elizabeth Zell Johnson of Narrows, Virginia. Barbara grew up in Narrows graduating from Narrows High School in 1952. She then attended Madison College graduating in 1956 with a BS degree in Education.

On July 21, 1956, Barbara married Dr. F. Bruce Forward, Jr. who preceded her in death in 1975. She was also preceded in death by her parents and sister Elizabeth Ann Simmons. On June 11, 1979 she married H. D. “Ike” Riddleberger who has preceded her in death on June 6, 2014.

Barbara is survived by a brother William Johnson, a brother-in-law Jim Simmons, and by three children, Beth Burgess and husband John of Portsmouth, RI, Katherine Forward of Richmond, VA, and Bruce Forward of Penn Laird, VA. Surviving also are grandchildren, Will Burgess and wife Brittany, David Burgess, Jack Burgess, Sam Burgess, Katie Forward, and Beau Forward.

Also surviving are step- children Jan Keaton of Dayton, VA and Julie Riddleberger of Scottsville, VA. Surviving step-grandchildren are Becky Mills and husband Mark of Farmville, VA, Debbie Forticelli and husband David of Richmond, VA, and Liz Marshall and husband Tom of Seattle, WA. Surviving step-great-grandchildren are Joseph, Daniel, Aaron, David, Amy, Adam and Jonathan.

Barbara taught school in Charlottesville, VA, Harrisonburg City schools and Rockingham County. She also was a substitute teacher. She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the adult choir for many years. She was also a member of the Spotswood Garden Club and sang in the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society for many wonderful years.

The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, June 15, 2014 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, June 16, at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens and a memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM, at Asbury United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Hay officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the Hahn Cancer Center or Asbury United Methodist Church Music Ministry.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.