Suella C. Barto

A beloved soul, Suella C. Barto’s last notes rang out on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Suella touched many lives over her 84 years. She was from Mechanicsburg but was living at Stonebridge Health and Rehabilitation Center in Duncannon, PA.

Suella was born on June 9, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Lucile and Earl Coffey. She was also always grateful to her stepfather, the late Leo Zike, for the support he provided her from the time she was nine years old, when he became her father figure. She graduated from Milton High School in Milton, Pennsylvania, in 1958 and from Williamsport School of Commerce in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1959. She married George W. Barto III on December 28, 1963 [moments after sewing the last buttons on her wedding gown]. Suella’s life was a symphony of love, both for music and for her family. She is survived by her husband of 61 years and their three children, daughter Patrica Massa (Yrjo) of Califon, NJ, daughter Susan Barto of York, and son Neil Barto (Megan) of Lititz, as well as five grandchildren, Alexander, Annika, and Isabella Massa, and Samantha and Charlotte Barto. She is also survived by her step-sister Juanita Moore of Milton.

Suella’s artistic talents blossomed early and continued to flourish throughout her life. Her life was infused with music, directing the choir in her husband’s first church, family sing-a-longs, sewing up the uniforms for her children’s high school band, supporting her children and grandchildren in band, orchestra, chorus, and musicals, accompanying the Chi Rho Singers, as well as playing the piano at the nursing home for her fellow residence entertainment and church services.

At home, Suella created an environment of open communication and unconditional support, empowering her children and grandchildren to pursue their dreams while always being there to offer wisdom and encouragement. She was always ready for a handshake or a good pat on the back for her granddogs as well. Suella’s gift for guidance and inspiration touched the lives of her husband, children, and countless others seeking direction.

Suella’s unwavering faith guided her life and her approach to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. That faith also led her to take courses from several seminaries, where, after completion, she was certified by the United Methodist Church in Youth Ministry and served the Annual Conference as Coordinator of the Conference Youth Council and Age Level Ministries. Before becoming the Coordinator, she held several influential jobs within the Central Pennsylvania United Methodist Districts, such as secretary for four district superintendents. Besides being active in the Annual Conference, she was a delegate to four General Conferences and five Jurisdictional Conferences of the United Methodist Church. She was instrumental in helping to organize and find the future home for Mission Central, located in Mechanicsburg.

Suella has guided many youth into ministry, whether they became youth leaders themselves or pastors. Suella’s faith never wavered during the time that she was sick, and she was always looking for a way to minister to others. This could be in the form of playing the piano to visiting a fellow resident's room to calm them through a time of prayer. Suella’s faith and love will continue to ring out even though she will be greatly missed.

Suella’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Stonebridge who cared for and loved her for the past four years.

A viewing will be available from 4:00-5:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Camp Hill United Methodist Church, located at 417 S. 22nd Street, Camp Hill, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mission Central @ 5 Pleasant View Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA, or to Camp Hill United Methodist Church, or to any charity of your choice.