Barbara Ann (Grove) Mason

Barbara Ann (Grove) Mason, 87, of Hartslog Valley, Huntingdon, died at Feb. 6, 2026, surrounded by love and support.

Born Dec. 8, 1938, in Huntingdon, she was the daughter of the late George and Mildred (Brown) Grove. Her husband of 44 years, Philip Mason, survives at home.

Additionally, she’s survived by son Matthew Mason (Meghan), Oakton, Virginia; stepdaughter Susan Rhone (Jeff), Huntingdon; granddaughters Hayley Mason, Huntingdon, and Elena Mason, Oakton, Virginia; brothers Ronald Grove, Alexandria, and Roger “Vern” Grove (Millie), Huntingdon; and sister Donna “Toot” Grove (Karen), Gettysburg.

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Miller; stepson Edward Mason (former daughter-in-law Betsy (Huston) Mason survives); brother George “June” Grove (Anna Mary survives); and three sisters Sara “Sis” Hammond, Charlotte Felton (Carl “Cork”) and Darlene Hearn (Sam).

Barbara was a 1956 graduate of Huntingdon High School.

After graduating, she worked at Africa Engineering, followed by a career as secretary to the principal at Huntingdon Area High School, where she made lifelong friends.

Anyone who was blessed to meet Barbara would be drawn in by her beautiful, heartwarming smile. She was a sweet-natured, gracious and outgoing lady who loved to talk with people and hear their stories. She had a special way of relating with people from all walks of life and had a gift for making people feel valued and special. Barbara also loved to host family and friends at home, always asking if they had enough to eat. Her macaroni salad was considered the best many have ever had, and she was always asked to prepare it for gatherings. One of her greatest gifts was storytelling. She could weave a story like an heirloom tapestry to be passed down through generations.

More than anything, Barbara immensely loved God and her family. She was the best wife and mother anyone could be blessed with — a true foundation of support and staunch champion to have in your corner.

Barbara’s husband, Philip, was her love and an outstanding caregiver during her later years, which were plagued with dementia and cancer. She always remembered their first date, how he stopped to pick flowers on Williamsburg Mountain and almost forgot to open the car door for her at dinner. That first date captivated Barbara, because they got married four months later. When Philip proposed in front of her mother, her mother’s response was something she repeated many times, “Do you two know each other well enough?” Barbara enjoyed road trips around central Pennsylvania with Philip and stopping to visit family. She even secretly loved his special brand of teasing and humor.

Barbara’s life changed dramatically when, at 45, she had a miracle baby, Matthew, whom she thought the world of. They had a very special bond. The family believes this kept her young, as she fully and lovingly embraced this new chapter, engaging in activities, including volunteering for school events, helping with school projects and homework and enthusiastically sledding down steep hills well into her 50s. She always showed up for his events and activities and was his top supporter. She also enjoyed summer vacations to Canada, Colonial Williamsburg, upstate New York and New England states.

She was thrilled to add a daughter-in-law when Matthew and Meghan got married. She deeply loved the in-laws who became family. She looked forward to family gatherings where she was asked to bring her award-winning pecan pie, devoured much too quickly.

Later in life, Barbara took pride and delight in being “Gigi” to granddaughter Elena, her “Jellybean” and “special little girl.” This new role gave her renewed youth and enthusiasm. The family is delighted to see Elena appears to have inherited Gigi’s gift of conversation.

Barbara loved spending time with extended family and had nicknames for many of them. She attended countless family reunions and was secretary of the Grove reunion for many years. She’ll always be remembered for asking people to sign the guestbook and getting competitive with the peanut scramble. When around family, she loved talking about old days, growing up with her parents and seven siblings at the family farm at Aitch and attending a one-room schoolhouse.

Barbara’s church family was also integral in her life. She was a longtime member of the McConnellstown United Methodist Church, where she made many close friends.

Barbara’s death creates a void poignantly felt by family and friends, but they take consolation in her faith, the full and vibrant life she lived and the extra special saint they now have in their corner looking out for them. As she would always say, “Give us a buzz when you make it home.”

Goodnight, sweet Barb. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Cutright Funeral Homes, 313 Fairgrounds Road, Huntingdon, and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the McConnellstown United Methodist Church, 11251 Ward St., Huntingdon, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Patricia Shope officiating and the Rev. George C. “Buddy” Baird delivering the eulogy. Following the funeral, all are invited to a dinner at the church. Private internment will occur at Huntingdon Memorial Gardens in McConnellstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in remembrance of Barbara Ann Mason may be made to the McConnellstown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 146, McConnellstown, PA 16660; Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona, PA 16601; or the Huntingdon County Humane Society, 11371 School House Hollow Rd., Huntingdon, PA 16652.

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