Starkville, MS - Barbara Ann Coblentz, 82, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by family. She went home to be with Jesus soon after experiencing a stroke.

Barbara was born on March 22, 1944, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Clinton and Inez Kilpatrick Lang. She was a significant figure in the Coblentz family, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorothy Lang Duvall, and her brother Huey Lang.

In 1964, Barbara married Robert Lee Coblentz, with whom she shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Barbara's role as the family planner was the perfect complement to Bob's humor. They built a life together after meeting at Rush Hospital in Meridian, where both Barbara and Bob worked.

Barbara was the loving mother of Robbie Coblentz (Bonnie Coblentz), and Lisa Coblentz Landstreet (Scott Landstreet). She was the very proud grandmother of four grandsons: David and Mark Coblentz, and Jordan and Logan Landstreet. She had one great grandson, Jayden Landstreet.

She graduated from Meridian High School and later earned her LPN degree from Meridian Junior College. Her second career managing cafeterias for Meridian Public Schools began in the early 1990s. It continued through her and Bob's move to Starkville, where she served her own grandsons as well as many of their friends as their beloved lunch lady.

Barbara was an excellent cook, and her yeast rolls were legendary well beyond her immediate family. She passed on her culinary skills and many recipes to her family. She loved crafts, and crocheted a quilt for each family member, made with the colors they selected. She was always creating -- working in ceramics, sewing, crocheting and doing almost any other craft you could do at home.

Barbara was a fixture at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp during their time in Meridian, taking turns serving as camp nurse and helping cook for the summer camp program.

Barbara attended Faith Baptist Church in Starkville, and was a member of Jubilee Mennonite Church in Meridian.

A memorial service will be held at a later time to honor Barbara's life and the joy she brought to those around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp,10371 Pine Lake Road, Meridian, MS 39307 or online at http://www.PineLakeCamp.com/memorial.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.