ROCKLAND — Barbara J. Staples, 71, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019, at her McLoud Street home, after experiencing a year of medical issues and hospitalizations.

Born in Rockland, June 5, 1947, she was the daughter of Valmore Greenlaw, Sr., and Dorothy May Hutchinson Blastow. 

She was a 1965, Honor graduate of Rockland District High School, and was awarded the key to Husson College.

In 1966 she married Lester H. Staples. They made their home on McLoud Street in Rockland all their married lives.    

It was in that home they raised their four sons, Robert, Ronnie, Ricky and Randy.

Barbara worked more than ten years as a bookkeeper for several local businesses, and then operated the first computers for the Department of Health and Human Services when they were located in the Thorndike Building. She later devoted her time as a homemaker, loving mother, and friend to all her family.

Other than her parents, Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband Lester in 1998 and a nephew Daniel Blastow in 2001.

She is survived by her four sons, Robert, Ronnie and Randy Staples all of Rockland, Ricky Staples and his wife Angie, two grandchildren Samantha and Timothy of Solon, Maine; three brothers Valmore G. Blastow, Jr., Harry, and Bruce, as well as six nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit at Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at which time a service will begin.

To share a memory or story with Barbara’s family, visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.