Barbara L. Skeats, 79

BRISTOL — Barbara L. Skeats passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 79. Barbara was born on Nov. 13, 1946, the daughter of Horace Boynton and Rebecca Ada Boynton (Page) (MacDonald).

She was a graduate of Bristol Memorial High School and immediately went to work at IPC, now known as Freudenberg-NOK. She retired in 2010, after working there for 46 years. During this time she took night classes and received her associate’s degree in business from NH Vocational Technical College.

Barbara married her first husband, David L. Drake of New Hampton, in 1964. During their marriage they had four children, Deanna Eldridge (William) of Center Tuftonboro, Amy Sporcic (Christopher) of Pembroke, David Drake (Amanda) of Alexandria, Molly LaBerge (Todd) of Alexandria. Later in the fall of 1989, she married Stanley James Skeats III. His two sons became a part of the family, James Skeats of Shapleigh, Maine, and Micheal Skeats (Melissa) of Sanbornton.

Barbara enjoyed gardening, crocheting, puzzles, quilting, and especially loved cribbage. She taught her grandchildren to play cards, but she didn’t give away all her secrets. Barbara also loved to travel. The highlight was her cross-country Canadian train excursion with Stanley. No matter what activity she was engaged in, Barbara brought smiles with her quick wit and sense of humor. These traits will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her six children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Stanley, her stepfather Henry MacDonald, her two brothers, Robert and Horace Boynton, and sister Clara Fewtrell.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Smart Memorial Home, 584 W. Main St., Tilton, smartmemorialhome.com.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, at the New Hampton Community Church, 14 Church Lane, New Hampton.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen.