Barbara Kunkel Barnaba, 78, went to rest in the arms of our Lord on January 19, 2011 after a long illness. Barbara was born in Utica on October 24, 1932 the daughter of the late Chauncey and Ruth (Sterling) Kunkel. She was a graduate of Whitesboro Central School and graduated from St. Luke's Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Following this she received her degree in elementary education from St. Joseph's College in Portland, Maine where she taught elementary school for several years. Upon her return to Utica Barbara taught at Conkling School until her marriage to John A. Barnaba who predeceased her in 2002. For several years Barbara was a school nurse in the Syracuse School System. After her retirement she returned to the Utica area. Barbara is survived by her two daughters and their families, Mary Ruth and David Stopera and their son John all of Westmoreland and Carrie and Gerry Burd and their family Kiley, Sean, Katie, and Jacob all of Liverpool. Barb is also survived by her brother, J. Sterling Kunkel of Schuyler and her sister, Patricia Kunkel of Barneveld. She was blessed to have many lifelong friends who were most supportive during this difficult time. Barbara's family is most appreciative not only for the physical and emotional care she received while in Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare CCU but also for the compassion shown by the doctors and nurses and all involved in her care. Mrs. Barnaba's funeral will be held on Saturday January 22, 2011 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and at 11:00 from St. Joseph's-St. Patrick's Church, Utica. A spring burial will take place in the West Schuyler Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society or the Rescue Mission in Barbara's memory.