Obituary of Barbara Ordway

In Memory of Barbara Ordway
1946-2025

Barbara Ward Ordway transitioned peacefully at home on April 30 surrounded by family after a year-long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Michael Ordway, daughter Sarah Ordway, son-in-law, Chris Brodhecker, brother, Donald Ward, and her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Barbara moved to Rochester from Kansas City, Missouri in the late 1960s and graduated from Nazareth with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. She went on to work at several schools within the Rochester City School District, where she met some of her closest friends and helped hundreds of students gain confidence with speaking. Barbara was also very active with her church of over 50 years, Summerville Presbyterian, a community she loved, served, and cherished. 

Barbara loved animals–especially horses. She grew up travelling to Colorado every year with her family and took every opportunity to work with and ride horses. Colorado is where she met Mike, and eventually they would return every summer with their family. The mountains are always calling, just as they called her in her last moments here on Earth. 

A service at Summerville Presbyterian Church is being planned for the near future. Please check back here for updates or contact the family for more information.