FRIENDSHIP — Barbara E. Lash, 95, fell asleep on April 21, 2016, in the blessed hope of the second coming of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Miles Memorial Medical Center in Damariscotta.

Born in Thomaston on April 3, 1921, she was the daughter of Irving A. and Lizzy Flint Fales. She attended Cushing schools and was a 1938 graduate of Thomaston High School.

On Oct. 13, 1940, she married her best friend and soulmate, Winfield C. Lash. Together the two recently celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage. The couple said “There were lean times and times of plenty” and it was only with “God’s grace and blessing” and a lot of “patience, forgiveness, longevity” they were able to attain this rare diamond anniversary.

A devoted mother, wife and homemaker, Barbara’s greatest desire was to help others in all she did. Her quiet, gracious service was evident, whether making donuts for the crew at the boat shop, singing in the choir at church, or sitting at her kitchen table sharing the Love of her Lord and Savior with anyone at hand.

For more than 75 years she has been active in the ministries of the Friendship Advent Christian Church. Barbara sang in the choir, was involved in Women’s Home and Foreign Missions Society, and always made certain her seven children were in Sunday School.

Barbara was comforted in recent years to have come to love and consider as family her caregivers, Linda Maxcy Simmons, Susan Simmons and Carrie Perkins.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Winfield C. “Winnie” Lash in 2015; her son, Wesley Austin Lash; and her brother, Richard Fales; she is survived by her children and their spouses, Neil and Bonnie Lash of Waldoboro, Irving “Irv” and Willi Lash of Augusta, Paulette “Polly” and Ivan Hill of Friendship, Dianne and Norman Hill of Friendship, Theresa Fullerton of Waldoboro, and Suzanne and Thomas Simmons of Friendship; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Lash of Friendship; a special nephew whom she raised, Philip J. Lash of Friendship; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Paul Lash, Howard Lash and his wife, Lois, Philip Lash and his wife, Janice, Kathryn Lash, Lucille Lash, Carolyn Kaler and Esther Lane, all of Friendship; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews, and even a larger extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, April 26, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Advent Christian Church of Friendship, 19 Cushing Road in Friendship; where a celebration of her life will be held immediately following at 2 p.m. The Rev. Alan Chamberlain will officiate. Barbara will be laid to rest at the Old Village Cemetery in Friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 279, Friendship, ME 04547; or to Advent Christian Church, P.O. Box 9, Friendship, ME 04547.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.