Barbara Louise Durst Volgstadt

Barbara Louise (Durst) Volgstadt, 81, of Erie, PA passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the Embassy nursing facility in Meadville, PA. She passed away after a lengthy illness caused by heart disease. Barbara was a very caring, kind, and generous wife, mother, and aunt who had strong faith in God. She had attended the Kearsarge Church of God and later First Alliance Church of Erie. She greatly enjoyed Bible studies with her family and friends.

Barbara was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania on July 5, 1944, to the late Gladys (Shafer) Durst and Maynard Durst. She attended Greenville High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. Barbara worked at the Greenville Paxton’s Dinor where she met her husband Gerald Albert Volgstadt, who was employed by Firch’s Baking Company in Erie. The couple married on February 9, 1963, and resided in Erie, PA for 62 years.

Barbara was a dedicated stay-at-home Mom for many years before gaining employment as a book-keeper with the Erie County Motor Club (AAA), where she retired from. She also attended college and took classes for business administration at Mercyhurst University. Barbara was an advocate for education and was elected as P.T.A. President in 1977 for Grandview Elementary School, where her children attended.

Barbara enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with her family and friends at the beaches of Presque Isle Peninsula. She enjoyed swimming, taking walks with her children, reading books, and volunteered as a library assistant. She also volunteered for the Girl and Boy Scouts of Erie, as well as, the March of Dimes, and school events. Barbara was very artistic and could draw beautify. She was also creative and would sew homemade clothing and crochet.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Gerald A. Volgstadt, one son Gerald “Jay” Volgstadt II, and an infant son Mark G. Volgstadt, her 2 sisters; Janice Thompson (Frank) and Carole Fenton (Harold), and a brother David Durst, also in-laws, George Volgstadt (Carolyn), Richard Volgstadt, Carolyn Bebko (Richard), and Ronald Volgstadt (Susan).

Barbara is survived by her daughter Roberta Volgstadt of Erie, her brother Daniel Durst of Greenville, a sister-in-law Kathleen Volgstadt (Richard) of Florida, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12 Noon until the time of the Memorial Service at 2 pm. Inurnment Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of Erie.