Barbara Sigsworth was remembered for her sense of humor, smile and pleasant demeanor by those who knew her.

Mrs. Sigsworth passed away Tuesday at Palm Terrace in Lakeland. She was 84.

She was born March 15, 1928, in Wellington, Ohio, and moved to Lake Wales in 1968.

She worked in public relations at the Lake Wales Medical Center for 18 years and in the newspaper business.

Ivadene Howell, an employee at the medical center for more than 30 years, worked with Sigsworth.

“She had a beautiful smile,” said Howell, who is a core measures specialist in the Quality Department. “Barbara had a calming voice and was always pleasant to everyone around her.”

Sigsworth was a reporter and handled society news for The Lake Wales News and the Lake Wales Daily Highlander from 1973-1980. Her husband, Al, also worked at The Lake Wales News. Her column “On The Ridge” ran in The Ledger in Lakeland for many years.

Chip Newton worked with her at The Lake Wales News in the 1970s as a photographer.

“She was just a wonderful person,” Newton said. “She had a great sense of humor. I never saw her angry.”

A memorial service was held Thursday at the High Point Church of God.

Jeff Bachelder said Sigsworth was the best mother-in-law any one could have.

“Barbara was a stubborn, tenacious woman with an incredible sense of humor,” Bachelder said. “She was a master of both the spoken and written language. She was able to think fast on her feet and remain calm in any situation.”

She is survived by her sons Larry Kamp of Lynn, Mass., and David Kamp of Hendersonville, N.C.; daughters Barb Jernstrom and Cyndi Renckens, both of Brandon, Maryemma Bachelder of Lake Wales (who works in the same position as her mother did at the medical center); nine grandchildren; and her sister Jinny Bokeny of Oak Island, N.C.

Memorials of remembrance may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.