Barbara Jean (Allen) Lathan, 86, of Wallkill, (formerly of Walton), passed away on Nov. 1, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born July 25, 1935 in Walton, to the late Ernest Phillip Allen and Mary Irene (Jacobson) Allen.
Barbara grew up on the family farm and graduated from Walton Central School in 1953. It was there that she met the love of her life, Paul Elden Lathan, and they were married in Walton on Oct. 28, 1956. Barbara and Paul had 57 years of marriage until Paul’s death on Feb. 1, 2014. Barbara and Paul were a team in everything they did. First in farming, then real estate, owning and operating the Valley View Restaurant and Motel and finally their ornamental concrete business from their home which they designed and built on Route 10 just outside the Walton town limits. Barbara and Paul loved traveling in their RV with their dog Maggie and traveled all over the Lower 48. Barbara and Paul also enjoyed genealogy and spent many hours researching and documenting both sides of the family. She was also an avid gardener who used to sell her gorgeous flowers at a roadside stand on Route 10.
But what meant most to Barbara was her family. She is survived by her loving daughter Ann (Dave) Kerzner and her grandson, Jonas, with whom she was residing for the past three years. Barbara is also survived by two brothers, Floyd (Cecelia) Allen of Sidney Center, Howard (Patricia) Allen of Florida, one sister, Virginia O’Dell of Virginia, sisters-in-law Betty MacGibbon of Walton, and Lillian Rifenbury of Rochester. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, parents, mother and father-in-law Douglas and Clara (Craig) Lathan, brother Reginald and wife, Kathleen Allen, sister-in-law Linda Allen, brothers-in-law Thomas Lathan, Bob MacGibbon and Charlie O’Dell.
A graveside service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at a time and date to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® at aspca.org or to a charity of your choosing.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.
To leave a message of peace and comfort for Barbara’s family, visit her online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.
