Barbara was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Henry and Margaret (Croft) Hedge. She grew up in Worcester, MA. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Norman Mantyla, in 1951. Together they raised three sons: Scott, his wife Michelle, Eric his wife Judy all from Jackson Township, and David, his wife Julie of North Canton, OH. Barbara had six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and two sisters, Virginia Kielinen and Helen Colburn.
Barbara was a homemaker and an active member of Faith United Methodist Church of North Canton where she sang in the choir for many years. She was a world traveler, loved people, knitting and sewing. She had a deep love for Cape Cod where she spent many summers over the years. Barbara commented on several occasions she was proud that she never put gas in her car or bail any of her sons out of jail. Barbara was known to have a good gin martini every now and then, especially on Friday nights!
A funeral service for Barbara will be held at Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
