Barbara J. Smith, 79, formerly of Allentown, died Jan. 15, 2024, in Bethlehem Manor, where she was residing.

Born April 15, 1944, in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Thomas C. and Grace I. (Edmonds) Gutekunst.

A 1962 graduate of William Allen High School, she was a medical secretary for 30 years before retiring in 2015, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, 17th and Chew streets, Allentown, in the Center for Women’s Medicine.

She was of the Lutheran faith.

Her survivors include daughters Karen L. Lauser and her husband, Nicholas, of Slatington, and Jill A. Mertz and her husband, Grant, of Germansville; grandchildren Alexandria Lauser, Marissa (Adams) Baldi and Jacob Adams.

She was predeceased by daughter, Beth Ann (Smith) Adams and brothers Thomas E. and Douglas C. Gutekunst.

A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.

Interment will follow the service at Union Church Cemetery, Neffs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.