Barbara Joan (Rakar) Kitko, 81, a guest of Mt. Laurel Healthcare and Rehab Center, Clearfield and formerly of Hegarty's Crossroads, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday February 2, 2025 at UPMC Altoona.

Born October 13, 1943, in Ginter, she was a daughter of the late George Rakar and Rosalie (Andras) Rakar.

Barbara was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale and was dedicated to her religion.

She graduated from Moshannon Valley High School in 1961 with high honors.

Barbara served as a poll worker for the Board of Elections in Beccaria Township for many years.

She was a homemaker.  She loved her family dearly, devotedly prayed the rosary daily, and loved her banana milkshakes.

On September 12, 1964 she married Frederick Kitko, who survives in Hegarty's Crossroads

Barbara is survived by her two daughters and two sons; Angela (Robert) Showers of Fallentimber, Brenda Kitko and her fiancé Ryan Acey of Smithmill, Frederick Kitko of Thornton, CO and Michael (Teresa) Kitko of Houtzdale.

Also surviving are six grandchildren; Joshua (Sara) Huchinson, Rachel (Kaden) Hawkins, Jessica (Catherine) Kitko, Nicholas Kitko, Justin (Morgan) Kitko and Michaela Kitko, along with six great grandchildren, Carter, Brooke, Lane, Gatlin, Carson, Reed and two sisters Rosemary Cervenak of Morann and Susan (Dieter)Geissler of Jacksonville, FL.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, a brother-in-law James Cervenak, and a daughter -in-law Donna (Eckberg) Kitko.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday February 7, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale with Rev Father Johnathan Schmolt as celebrant.

Family and friends will be received at the Birger A Freeberg Funeral Home, Houtzdale on Friday from 10 am till 12:30 pm. 

Interment will be in Hagerty's Crossroads Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mt Laurel Healthcare and Rehab for the excellent care given to their mother.

Online condolences may be made at the family at www.birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.