Barbara S. Heistand

Barbara S. Heistand, 98, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. She was born in Augusta County, VA on March 31, 1928, to the late William and Florence (Hershey) Martin. Barbara was the wife of Ira B. Heistand, who passed away on October 10, 2007.

Barbara was a true social butterfly who never met a stranger. She enjoyed good conversations, was engaging and very hospitable. She found joy in canning, gardening, cracking walnuts, knotting comforters, participating in Mennonite Disaster Service bus trips, playing Scrabble, and studying prophecy. She kept a diary from the age of 13 up to 80. She did not graduate from high school, but that did not hold her back from a lifelong quest of learning. Above all, she loved her Lord, prayed for family and friends and cherished every visit she received.

She is survived by 3 sons, Gerald M. Heistand, William M. Heistand, husband of Arlene (Ruhl), and Warren (deceased twin of William), Ira M. Heistand, husband of Linda (Sauder) and a daughter, Debra S. Tshudy, wife of Michael; a sister, Jane Davis; a brother, Robert W. Martin; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters, Gertrude Burkholder and Virginia Brubaker; and brothers Hershey L. and William H. Martin.

A funeral service will be held Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Risser Mennonite Church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, PA. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Risser Mennonite Cemetery, Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nazareth Project Nancy Martin Scholarship Fund or Heifer International.

Arrangements have been entrusted to, Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown. www.finkenbinderfamily.com