Barbara was born in Johnstown, PA on October 12, 1932 and grew up with her older siblings Russell and Laura in the suburb of Westmont. Her parents Russell Yost (an attorney) and Ruth Dorworth Yost (an English teacher) provided a home that was adored by all. Barbara was a bit of a “Tomboy” growing up; she played basketball with the boys and would often request additions to her model railroad collection rather than the more typical requests for a girl her age. Barbara attended Swarthmore College where she met her first husband Robert Stewart. After their marriage she had two boys, Russell and Douglas, and moved back to Swarthmore to raise them. She worked as a Laboratory Assistant in the Biology Department of her alma mater and then decided to further her education. Barbara first completed her Masters Degree and then received her PhD in Biochemistry from Bryn Mawr College. She eventually became a full Professor in the Biology Department at Swarthmore College.
Barbara married Robert Chase in 1991 and resided in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida before eventually moving to Brittany Pointe Estates retirement community in Lansdalej PA. She was very active there, serving as the head of the Culinary Department and revamping the community newsletter as its editor. She was probably best known in the community for the many “Scavenger Hunts” she and her friend Jeff O’Malley created for the residents. They involved difficult puzzles and creative experiences that received national attention within the retirement community.
Barbara passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024. She is survived by her first husband Robert Stewart, two sons, Russell and Douglas (who miss her wit and presence terribly), two Daughter-in-laws, Anne and Liz, three grandchildren, Dustin, Christine and Tim, and five great grandchildren, Danny, Charlie, William, Henry and Fiona.
Services will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Brittany Pointe Estates Samaritan Fund at ACTS Legacy Foundation, PO Box 7616, Fort Washington, PA 19034 or at ActsLegacyFoundation.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
