Barbara Jeanne Abel, 78, of Penrose, Colorado, departed this life peacefully on May 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born in Upper Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, to Herman (Cy) Grenfall Conner and Ruth Anne Weidman. Barbara grew up in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where she met the love of her life, Charles Aloysius Abel Sr. They were married on September 25, 1965, and would spend 59 years together. Of those years, 50 years were spent in Chaffee County, at the base of magnificent Mt. Antero and the Collegiate Peaks Mountain Range.
Charles and Barbara raised two children together, Charles and Jessica. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, nana, sister, and aunt who loved her family unconditionally. 

Barbara was a very talented lady who always loved to try a new craft. She made everything from stained glass windows to mohair teddy bears, goose feather Christmas trees, and most recently, old fashioned sheep’s wool Santas. Barbara had an eye for creativity and could make those ideas come to life. She also had a love for horses, especially draft horses. She enjoyed sitting atop a carriage with Charlie, while driving a team of Percheron’s for a wedding or team of Haflinger’s at the County Fair.
In the early years, Barbara was a home-maker while raising her children. Later in life, she worked outside the home in the banking and hospital industries. She held the offices of Vice President of 1st National Bank of Salida, President/CEO of Thatcher Bank, Vice President Operations Pueblo Bank & Trust, Vice President of Human Resources at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, and Vice President of Human Resources at High County Bank.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Cy and Ruth Conner. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Charles, children Charles (Receene) Abel of Nathrop, CO, Jessica (Donald) Scott of Springfield, CO, sister Maureen Scanlon of Texas City, TX, grandchildren David (Brandy) Packard, Krista (Caleb) Guyton, Terrance (Meghan) Packard, and bonus grandchildren Zach and Aly Bernhardt and Phillip Packard, numerous great grand-children, cousins, nieces, nephews and Gus, her beloved pup. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by so many.
Barbara was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Barbara Abel to the General Marion Chapter, 472 N. 19th Street, Cañon City, CO 81212.
No services are set at this time.