Barbara Elaine (Ayers) Thorp

Barbara Elaine Thorp, 71, of Barco, N.C., passed away peacefully, after an unexpected, brief illness, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Virginia. Barb was born March 22, 1951, the daughter of the late Clarence "Vern/CV" and Ruth Ayers. She graduated from Freeport Area High School in 1969 and attended the New Kensington School of Business. Prior to retiring and moving to the Chesapeake area almost 20 years ago to be a full-time grandmother, Barb worked for many years at the family-owned Shirley's Hallmark Shop in Kittanning. In that capacity, she was blessed to work for and with her mother-in-law, Shirley, Aunt Pearl, cousin Roxie, sisters-in-law and other family members, as well as co-workers who became friends and family members. She loved to attend country music concerts, NASCAR races and Steelers games, but her happy place was always at the beach. Her true passion, however, was being a grandmother to her nine grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Payton, William, Owen, Avery, Maddox and twins, Harley and Scarlett. Barbara is also survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Thomas C. Thorp, of Barco, N.C.; son, Eric (Tara) Westendorf, of South Buffalo Township; daughter, Kelly Becker (fiance Nate), of Chesapeake, Va.; sister, Debbie (Rocky) Moskal, of Weirton, W.Va.; brother, Chuck (Pam) Ayers, of Sarver; as well as stepchildren, in-laws, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Aunt Pearl Swartzlander; first mother-in-law, Shirley Westendorf Cassel, whom she loved dearly; and first husband/father to her children, John C. Westendorf. Family and friends will be received at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, followed by a brief memorial service, at the REDMOND FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 High St. in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to breast cancer research and awareness through Susan G. Komen at www.komen.org/donate.To send a condolence, visit www.redmondfuneralhomeinc.com.

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