Myrtle May Barber, 69, of Wheelersburg, passed away Monday May 26, 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Myrtle was born May 12, 1956 in Portsmouth to the late James Wicker and Sarah Horton Wicker.
Myrtle was employed as a nurse at Best Care in Wheelersburg.
In addition to her parents, Myrtle was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy (Charles) Harkless and Phyllis Wicker; three brothers, Ralph (Eddie) Wicker, James Wicker and Mart Wicker. Myrtle is survived by her husband, Gerald Barber, whom she married June 21, 1997 in Lyra, Ohio. She is also survived by stepchildren, Angelia (Bryan) Renken, of Hebron, KY and Christopher Barber of Arlington, TX and a special niece Sarah Gee of Wheelersburg to whom she was like a second mother.
Myrtle was also survived by many other nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved. Myrtle is also survived by brothers, Gary (Connie) Wicker of South Webster, Danny of Wheelersburg and Fred (Kim) of Wheelersburg; sisters, Beulah Gee and Brenda (Roy) Lore of Wheelersburg and Omedia (James) Spriegel of Gallipolis and two grandchildren, Alysa and Bryson. Myrtle spent her life in service to others. .
She received her nursing degree in Oklahoma and worked many years in area nursing homes. Myrtle volunteered in the community by working in thrift shops, food pantries and organizing community Christmas parties. One of Myrtle’s greatest joys was preparing holiday meals for extended family. She also loved growing and preserving food to share with her family and friends and working in her flower gardens.
Services for Myrtle will be 1:00 pm Friday, May 30, 2025, at Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg. Interment will be in Vernon Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday 11:00 am until the 1:00 pm service. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com.
