Barbara H. Schnoes' Obituary
Barbara H Schnoes (Babs) of Ft. Myers, Florida, peacefully passed into the outstretched hands of God on March 24, 2026, at the age of 91. Babs was born in 1934 in Titusville, Pennsylvania to the late Russell J and Eleanor Hesch. Babs married Paul J Schnoes at Sacred Heart Church in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on November 24, 1956. Paul and Babs celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in November 2021 before Paul passed in April 2022.
Babs is survived by her brother Russell (Katie) Hesch of West Branch, MI, her sons Paul (Mindy) Schnoes of Hillsborough, NC, Jim Schnoes of Little Rock, AR, Mark (Kim) Schnoes of Peachtree City, GA, and daughter Diane Schnoes of Liberty Lake, WA, and five grandchildren. Babs is pre-deceased by her husband Paul J, her daughter Karen (Mark) Kranz, and her brother John T Hesch.
A dedicated mother Babs juggled her rolls and finished her nursing degree while her youngest was just 4. She would go on to find her ‘niche’ in geriatric nursing. After 3 moves, losing seniority, and working all the holidays, she moved into volunteering and became the first licensed nurse Ombudsman in KY, advocating between long-term care patients and facility administration.
Active in Scouting with all her children, Babs herself was a Girl Scout and earned the highest award of First Class (now Gold Award). As an adult, she was a troop leader, assistant leader and volunteered in many other scouting activities.
Babs was key on managing the family in 14 moves all across the country as Paul’s career grew. She was the one that managed the house and the kids. Thru the tears and the new adventures, she encouraged the family to grow and experience each location. Babs encouraged her family in creating new friendships and lifelong memories wherever they were.
In 2007, Paul and Babs moved to Shell Point, Ft. Myers, Florida to enjoy their golden years. Following the family’s enthusiasm for HO scale model railroading, Babs was active in the Shell Point Gulf Coast Railroad Club. She earned the title “Superintendent of the Little People” as Babs added many people and ‘scenes’ to the layout. She had a second title of Head Landscaper as she was part of a small group that handmade over 800 little palm trees for the entire layout. She was also active in swimming, Mahjong, and Bible study.
Before moving to Florida Babs was well known in Bowling Green KY for her wonderful Crystal Christmas tree. The tree that slowly spun was adorned in white lights that highlighted all the clear glass and crystal ornaments she collected in her worldly travels as well as those given to her by family and friends. Every Christmas it was a ‘telling of her life’ as she unwrapped each ornament, remembering where each came from and sharing their story. After moving to Florida, Babs and her tree were featured on Shellpoint TV collectors edition.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Arbor and the Larsen of Shell Point for the wonderful support they gave Babs. We were also blessed with some awesome ladies from Visting Angels who provided the one-on-one care that allowed Mom to live life to the fullest. To everyone who was part of ‘Team Babs’, we are eternally grateful.
A funeral mass with interment of ashes will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday April 9th at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 12171 Iona Rd, Ft. Myers, Florida. A reception will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to share your memories and stories of Babs in the guestbook located at https://www.FortMyersMemorial.com.st
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