She was born April 1,1932, in South New Berlin, the daughter of Harold and Elsa Gardner.
In 1950, she moved to Oneonta, where she married Henry David Close at the First United Methodist Church.
Barbara farmed with her beloved husband, David, for more than 30 years also working part-time at Grant's restaurant, on Oneonta's city directories and then at Mills Hall at SUCO.
She loved gardening, cooking, trying new recipes, bowling and playing pinochle.
Barbara is survived by her seven children, Terry Close of Apache Junction, Arizona, Kathy (Close) and Terry Schumacher of Mesa, Arizona, Jacalyn (Close) and Robert Crandall of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Mark Close of Oneonta, Susan (Close) and Andrew Smith of Piffard; Lori (Close) and Greg Fowler of Maryland and Sharon (Close) and Robert Wooden of Rochester. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Ella Eldred and June Close of Oneonta. Barbara was blessed with nine grandchildren, Jill Marchitello, Amanda Hodgin, Kristin Dunham, Tate Schumacher, Kirsty Northrop, Amos Smith, Atticus, Madison and Carter Wooden; also seven great-grandchildren, Peter and Joey Marchitello, Grace and Pierson Northrop, Logan and Lyla Dunham, Alex Hodgin and Cora Smith; six nephews, Mike, Dennis and Scott Eldred,Ted, James and Gary Close and Robert Gardner.
She was predeceased by her husband, David; and sister, Marion Gardner.
Barbara's wishes were to be cremated and not have a viewing.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date because of COVID.
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