Barbara McCauley Hankins

Barbara McCauley Hankins, 73, of Franklin passed away on October 13, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Barb was a gentle and kind soul. Her beautiful smile will be missed by all who knew her.

Barb was born in upstate New York on May 20, 1951, to Ruth Norman and William McCauley. 

Her early years followed the career of her father, a college professor and dean. She spent much of her childhood in Wheaton, Maryland, eventually spending a year in Cali, Columbia as a teenager with family and then graduating from Clarion High School in 1969. She attended Grove City College, graduating with a degree in Mathematics in 1973. 

She married her husband, Bill Hankins, in September 1972 after meeting at Grove City. He survives.

Barb thrived in her career in the banking industry until retirement in 2007. Upon her retirement, Barb enjoyed volunteering locally including serving as a board member of the Venango County Historical Society and preparing taxes for the RSVP program. She especially enjoyed preparing for and participating in the Historical Society’s fund-raising efforts, including the used book sale during Applefest. She cherished the many friends she made as a result.

Barb was happiest when spending time and traveling with family and friends, especially at her mother’s summer family reunions at Keuka Lake, NY, where Syrian food and festivities flowed freely. In 2022, she and Bill celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with sister Janet and her husband Jim at Keuka Lake. She loved her husband’s family reunions on the North Carolina coast, at an Adirondack Lake, or any of the various destinations the family enjoyed gathering. 

Smaller family vacations took place yearly at Oak Island, North Carolina where all enjoyed the 2017 Solar Eclipse and, thankfully, one final visit in April this year. And finally, yearly gatherings spanning over 40 years at Oglebay, WV with dear friends (the Ogle Crew).

Barb was a faithful and caring daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved all her family and enjoyed any excuse for a get-together. Although her medical issues continue to mount over the past few years, she never gave up hope that she would continue enjoying a full and eventful life and be able to see her grandson grow older.

Barb is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Sara (partner Phil), and grandson Orion. She is also survived by her sister Janet (husband Jim), brother Tom (wife Belinda), sister-in-law Glenda (husband Norman), brother-in-law Keith, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends Carol and Tanny.

Preceding Barb in death is her infant daughter Amy; her father and mother; her niece, Melissa.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 West Park Street, Franklin PA 16323 where family and friends will be welcome from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday in the funeral home.

A full celebration of Barb’s life will be held at a time and date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations to the Venango County Historical Society 307 S Park St, Franklin, PA 16323, the March of Dimes PO Box 3155 Harlan, IA 51593-0346 or a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.