Barbara A "Barb" Straw

Plattsburgh Barbara A. "Barb" Straw, whose age was her best kept secret, of the Old Dock Road, Plattsburgh, NY passed away suddenly Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Facility in Burlington, Vermont. She was born in South Bend, Indiana the only child of Willard Earle and Irene (Calvert) Straw. Barb was a graduate of Perdue University. She was the highest Chief civilian on PAFB. Of the 60 Strategic Air Command (SAC) Bases she was the highest ranked woman in her job for 15 years. Barb was very proud of her civilian military career serving in Korea during the war and numerous other SAC Bases. She finished her career at Plattsburgh Air Force Base and decided to make Plattsburgh her home. Barb joined Plattsburgh Rotary Club in 1987 and became Club Secretary in 1989. She has been named Rotarian of the Year, Paul Harris Fellow (& 5 Sapphire pin); she is also a Rotary Benefactor. Over the years she has been involved with the Centennial Project, which she was very passionate about, the Fishing Tournament, Radio Day, RoDucky Derby, Salvation Army bell ringing, membership, classification committee, holiday gifts, program committee, involved with the district conference and more. She was an avid gardener and attended many gardening seminars over the years. Barb was a member of the Kent Delord House Museum Garden Club. She was also a member of the Air Force Civilian Service Group and coordinated the annual reunion. Barb was predeceased by her parents. Fiercely independent and extremely generous, she will be fondly remembered by the Donna Ross family, her dear close friend Carmen Carpentier, her cousins, the community she loved and her Rotary family. At Barb's request there will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY (518)561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com