Kathryn Barron

Kathryn “Betty” (Peronto) Barron, age 98, passed away at her home on Sept. 2, 2024. Known as Kay by her friends, she was born Feb. 2, 1926 in Grindstone, PA, daughter of Ferd and Florence (Tumilty) Peronto.

She was raised in Trauger and attended the Mount Pleasant Township schools, graduating in 1943. Instead of attending college as planned she obtained her work papers, beginning her work career at Stupakof Mfg Co. in Latrobe. She worked as secretary to the quality control engineer and later was promoted to secretary to the vice president. During that time, she attended night classes to further her education.

During the war a company party was held at Mission Inn. It was there that she met Andrew Barron who was home on leave from the army. What began as a beautiful friendship later became a lovely marriage. Together they raised two sons, Drew W. and Kurt R.

Kathryn was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She served in many capacities, office work, kitchen volunteer, choir member, Sunday school teacher, President of the woman’s group, joy and readers group, and remained a loyal member throughout her life.

When her sons were nearing college age, she returned to the work force and eventually was employed at Hanlon & Wilson Co. in Jeannette. She worked as Executive Secretary to the President and was also Personnel Director.

Kathryn loved watching sports especially the Steelers and Pirates and was a member of the Early Birds bowling group until age 92. She loved hearing about sports events in which her great grandchildren participated.

Kathryn is survived by her sons, Drew (Eleanor) and Kurt (Janette); grandchildren, Allison (Richard), Kelly (Ben), Keith (Maddi), Melissa, Jeffrey (Alicia), and James (Anna). Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Alia, Miah, Barron, Cole, and Beau. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Andrew and her brother Robert.

In lieu of flowers she requested that donations be made in her memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Trauger.

Family and friends will be received at the HOFFER WILT FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mount Pleasant Rd., Norvelt, on Friday from 6-8pm and on Saturday from 11am until 12:15pm, funeral mass to follow at 1pm in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.