Barbara M.

Hoffman

Barbara M. Hoffman, 66, of Lancaster, lovingly known as Barb, passed away on November 2, 2026, at her home in Lancaster. She was born on January 25, 1960, in Steelton, Pennsylvania to the late Benjamin and Helen (Sherriff) Shields, and was the wife of 22 years to Paul R. Hoffman Jr.

Barb was a 1978 graduate of Central Dauphin East High School. Later on, she went on to service as an Activities Director at Beverly Nursing Home, a role that reflected her caring nature and her ability to connect with others. She was strong-willed and devoted to the people she loved, and she carried a dry, subtle sense of humor that could catch others off guard and leave a lasting smile. She found joy in creativity and beauty. Barb enjoyed crafting and drawing with pencil, and she had a special gift for making flower arrangements and custom wreaths. She also custom-made decorations for family events and weddings, sharing her talents in ways that made important occasions even more meaningful. She loved flowers, especially Gerber daisies, and she had a deep affection for animals. She was especially devoted to her cat, Toby, who loved the warmth and comfort of laying on her in the evenings. Above all, Barb loved her family. Her caring heart and artistic spirit will be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Barb is survived by brothers Benjamin Shields III (husband of Shelly) and Ken Shields. Her three sons, Blaine Youtz (husband of Katrina), Dane Youtz (husband of Laren) and Dustin Youtz (husband of Dana), Two grandsons, Benjamin Youtz and Barrett Youtz and three granddaughters, Cadence Youtz, Lucy Youtz, and Lillian Youtz. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Darlene Gingrigh (wife of Kevin) and Michelle Hoffman (fiancé of Michael Cahill), three nieces, one nephew, one great niece and seven great nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, November 20th, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 100 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barb’s honor are appreciated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation: www.give.bcrf.org.