Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Of Whitehall, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025 with family by her side. Born September 19, 1936 to the late Emmons Thomas Mortson and Charlotte Mills Mortson of Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, her passing occurred just four months after the loss of her high school sweetheart and spouse of 65 years, Dr. LeRoy C. Wible, MD.

Barbara’s greatest pride was her family. She was the devoted mother of Dr. Russell Thomas Wible (Anne), David Edward Wible (Monica) and Sharon Lee Wible-Mankovich (Rich); loving grandmother of Rachel, Thomas, Marston, Arden, Matthew, and Ryan; sister-in-law to Robert and Virginia Wible; and aunt to John, Jeff, Kevin, and Kerry. Though an only child, no one had more true sisters and brothers than she did ---through the lifelong friendships she so deeply cherished. Her friends were like family to her, and she nurtured those bonds with love and loyalty.

Barbara was a proud 1954 graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School where she was a leader in academics and student life, sang in glee club, and a four-year varsity letter winner in field hockey. She went on to earn her degree from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1958, majoring in History and Home Economics. There she served as Vice-President of the Delta Gamma Sorority, and the Phi Tau Gamma’ women’s academic honorary, among other leadership and service roles.

Barbara began her professional life as a Home Economics teacher in the Pittsburgh Public School system, while her husband was in medical school. Never letting much grass grow under her feet, later in life, she pursued a graduate accounting degree, graduating summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0.

Barbara dedicated much of her life to community service, leading as President of the Baldwin-Whitehall Council of PTAs (more than once), President of the Elementary School PTA, Brownie Troop Leader, and Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor. She also was a 60-year member and past Worthy Matron of the Pennsylvania Order of the Eastern Star.

She made lasting contributions to healthcare through her leadership roles in the Allegheny County Medical Society Alliance and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society Alliance, serving multiple terms as President, Vice President, District Counselor, State By-Laws Chair, and Treasurer. She raised critical funds for the Women’s Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, and scholarships for University of Pittsburgh nursing and medical school students. She was a recipient of the prestigious Thompson Award for her unity, loyalty, and service to the medical society and healthcare community.

Barbara broke barriers as the first female President of both the Pergin Farm Property Owners Association at Deep Creek Lake and the St. Lucia Board at Pelican Bay in Naples, Florida, earning the utmost respect of her fellow leaders for her integrity, intelligence, and leadership. She made significant contributions and improvements, leaving every community better than she found it.

A woman of many talents, she crafted beautiful creations but also knew Robert’s Rules of Order better than anyone. She also never met a microphone or podium that she did not like. Barbara’s first true love was her husband Le, with whom she shared over 65 years of marriage filled with adventure, devotion, and laughter. Together, they built a joyful and busy life rooted in a partnership unlike any other. She was most proud of her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe.

An avid water-skier, snow-skier, and golfer, she enjoyed spending time at Deep Creek Lake and Naples, Florida with family and friends. She loved chairing the “Barbara Brunches” at the Turkey Neck Yacht Club and being on the water with her children. Her love for flowers and gardening, nurtured by her tremendous green thumb, brought her daily happiness. Her faith was a guiding light. She was a loyal member of Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, where she could be found in her coveted front row seat on every holiday.

Barbara’s smile lit up the room, and her positive attitude, boundless energy, generosity, and leadership left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. She was a beacon of light and an enduring inspiration.

Friends and family will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 on Friday, May 2, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3 in the funeral home chapel at 10:30 a.m. followed by a private burial for close family and friends at West Andover Cemetery in Andover, Ohio.

Barbara’s love of flowers is well-known, and they are welcome. For those who wish to honor her spirit of service, donations may also be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.