Barbara Root

Barbara Jean Root, 80, of Norwich, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Barbara was born on May 30, 1943, in Norwich, the daughter of Charles and Edith (Truesdell) Bunting. She spent most of her childhood in the areas of Cincinnatus, Texas Valley and Norwich. A favorite childhood memory she shared was riding her pony from the farm in Texas Valley, to Dave's Dairy Treat in Cincinnatus (still in business!) for ice cream, with her lifelong friend, Patty Delesky.

In 1959, Barbara married Hobie Stoddard of Guilford/Mount Upton, NY. Together they shared many happy years in the Norwich area, until his unexpected passing in 1979. Barbara and Hobie had five children all of whom survive; Terri Stoddard, Tim Stoddard, Tracey (Sam) Ventura, Tamara (Jim) Yacano, and Tom (Lynda) Stoddard.

In 1982, Barbara married William Root of Norwich and together they raised a blended family of seven children, including Lisa Rifanburg and Mark Root, who she cared for as she did her own children.

Barbara and Bill went on to enjoy many happy years together which included many grandchildren and several great grandchildren, all of whom survive, until Bill's unexpected passing in 2016.

Barbara will always be remembered for being ready for a good time. If someone mentioned a party or a trip, you didn't have to say it twice, she was good to go. She loved good jokes. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoyed travel, road trips, going out to eat and trying new restaurants. Barbara remembered fondly the winters that she and Bill spent in Florida and took pride in her work on the gardens surrounding her home. Barbara’s children have happy memories of going berry picking with her, selling sweet corn, attending her children’s/grandchildren’s sports, school events and other activities.

Barbara is also survived by grandchildren; Rose Boshell, Tyler Stoddard, Nicole Stoddard, Kristin Audette, Stephanie Curnalia, Ryan Evans, Andrew Evans, Courtney MacLaury, Erica Thomas, Lily Stoddard, Abigail Rifanburg, Levi Rifanburg, Blaine Rifanburg, Matthew Yacano, and Zachary Yacano; several great grandchildren; sister, Carole Landers; cousin, Joanne Van Wicklen; friend, Patty Delesky; and beloved dog, Patsy; along with her niece and nephews.

In addition to her husbands, she was also predeceased by her parents; brothers, Bill and Jim; as well as son-in-law, Tim Evans.

Funeral services for Barbara will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where the Rev. Laura Wade, pastor, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Barbara’s memory may be made to the CNA’s at Chase Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave Barbara while residing there. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.