Barbara J. (Tucker) Custer

Barbara Jean Tucker Custer,77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  Barbara had been a resident of Oakwood Heights Village since December, where she received compassionate care.

Born on November 1, 1948, Barbara was a 1966 graduate of West Forest High School. On May 13, 1967, she married the love of her life, Dennis C. Custer. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and friendship, and would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in just two weeks.

Early in their marriage, Barbara and Dennis lived in Alaska and Abilene, Texas, where they formed lifelong friendships, including with Dave and Joyce Rodkey, who preceded her in death. Barbara also cherished her many dear friends and the special bonds she shared with them throughout her life.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis C. Custer; her children, Denna O’Brien and her husband Bill of Oil City, and Clifford Custer and his wife Melissa of Tionesta; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn O’Brien of Oil City, Braden Custer of Slippery Rock, and Keyon Custer of Tionesta; and her great-grandchildren, Ryder Davis of Kittanning and Izabella Fedorek of Oil City.

In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her sisters, Patti Arnold and her husband Jeff of Tionesta, Betty Allis and her husband Thomas of Pleasantville, and Wendy Bankson and her husband Jim of Oil City; her aunt, Chris Young and her husband Rich of East Liverpool, Ohio. Barbara is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Connie Hillard of Tionesta; Rod and Bonnie Custer of Tionesta; Sue McCoy of Tionesta; Randy and Peggy Custer of Tionesta; Steve Custer and wife Loretta of Tidioute and Gail Miller of Tionesta as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her vey loved daughter, Maria Christine “Gussie” Custer; her parents, Clifford and Joy Tucker; her brother, John “Mo” Tucker; and her in-laws, Wayne and Jewell Custer.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her deep love for her family, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her family will never forget her and will continue to smile and laugh at the many memories they shared, especially the funny and endearing way she pronounced certain words.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare workers at Oakwood Heights Village and AseraCare for the kindness, dignity, and care they provided.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public service.

The Reinsel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com

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