Port Allegany – Barbara J. VanSickles, 82, of Port Allegany passed away Friday (May 22, 2026) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport PA unexpectedly. She was born August 7, 1943, in Denison, TX, the daughter of Ted Leroy Farmer and Esther G. Jacks and was the step-daughter of Paul Petteys. She was first married to Donald L. Black and later married Kenneth F. VanSickles on August 8, 1981, in Wrights, PA.

Mrs. VanSickles worked at Jaguar Jeans Company in Smethport in her 20s. While her children were young, she spent most of her time tending to her family’s needs until they were school age, at which point she went to work at the Port Allegany school cafeteria. In retirement, Barb also worked as a bus driver for Culver’s bus garage, where she enjoyed transporting school children.

She was an active member of the Senior Center of Port Allegany and the VFW Auxiliary. One of her favorite things to do was to play BINGO and visit with her friends at the Senior Center.

She is survived by:

  – Two daughters: Patricia (Lloyd) Williams of Eldred, PA, and Karen (David) Hobbs of Port Allegany, PA.
  – Two sons: Donald (Theresa) Black of Lima, NY, and Billy Jack VanSickles of Port Allegany, PA.
  – Grandchildren: Keith (Ashley Long) Homell, Chasiti Homell, Darin (Tarra) Kisko, and Cory (Tori Windsor) Kisko.
  – Several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
  – Two brothers: Teddy Wayne Sharp of Alabama and Eugene Jones of Utah.
  – One sister: Mary Farrell of Duke Center, PA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Lawrence Jacks, daughter-in-law Laura Black, and a granddaughter Erin Black.

Following Barbara’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Port Allegany Senior Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.