Obituary of Barbara J. Denniston

Barbara Jean Denniston, 79, passed away on January 10, 2024 at the Groton Community Health Care Center. Barb was a lifetime area resident, born in Cortland, NY on March 30, 1944 to Henry V. and Evelyn (Canestaro) Baranello. In 1962, she married Dale E. Southworth, her high school sweetheart. They had two sons together before Mr. Southworth's death in 1986. Good things happen to good people and Barb found love again, marrying Ronald Denniston in 1989. For thirty years, the couple made a welcoming home, socialized and traveled together. Known by all for her sparkling good nature, Barb spread love and happiness throughout her life with Ron. Never a wallflower, her creativity and tireless energy came through every day in home decorating, landscaping, knitting personalized Christmas stockings, sewing a line of doll clothes, custom dresses, showing at craft fairs, and whatever else needed doing. Whether riding a lawnmower or attending an elegant business function, she did it with grace and good cheer that endeared her to all who met her. Barb deeply embraced her role as grandmother, and cherished spending time with her grandchildren. Her caring, compassionate and attentive nature helped to form deep, strong connections with each grandchild. While Barb will be sorely missed, her spirit will go on with the happy memories made with her family and friends. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Ron in 2020. She is survived by her brother Mark Baranello (Elaina Alberga), sons Steven and Robert (Jennifer) Southworth, stepchildren David Denniston and Brenda Brooks, grandchildren Robert, Edward, Jordan, Mark, Joseph, Siera and Cheyenne, great grandchildren Everly Rose, Roland, Silas and Lyla and several step grand and great grandchildren and niece Micaela Baranello. Friends and family are invited to attend services on January 18th at 11:00AM at the Wright-Beard funeral home in Cortland, with Pastor Vicki Burtson of the Homer Congregational Church. Barb's family warmly welcomes everyone to attend a Celebration of Life, in Barb's honor, immediately following the services. Interment will be in springtime in the Glenwood Cemetery, Homer, NY.