Barbara Jean Kries

Barbara Jean Kries, 91, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 28, 1934, in Belvidere, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Laura Milner. Raised in Belvidere, Barbara graduated from Belvidere High School in 1953. She spent most of her adult life in Washington Township, where she built a life centered on family, hard work, and the simple joys she cherished.

She shared a remarkable 71-year marriage with her beloved husband, Melville Kries Sr., who preceded her in death less than three months earlier. Their love and devotion remained an inspiration to everyone who knew them.

Barbara worked as an operator for the West Jersey Phone Company and NJ Bell Telephone Company. Together with Melville, she co-owned and operated Washington Sporting Goods and Zimmerman’s Steakhouse in Washington. Later, she spent many years at Hunterdon Medical Center before retiring in 2007 to help care for her great-grandchild. Even then, she continued working into her late 70s in the library at Taylor Street School, where she delighted in the children and the stories she shared with them. She was also a past member of the Washington Emergency Squad Ladies Auxiliary.

She loved bingo, casino trips, horse races, crocheting, word searches, and cheering for the New York Mets and Knicks. She spent many happy hours at Orsi’s Store in Brass Castle visiting with friends she considered family. Known for her outspoken nature, her superstitions, and her famously poor sense of direction, Barbara brought laughter and warmth to those around her. Above all, she treasured time with her family, especially Sunday dinners, holidays, shore vacations, and camping trips. She was fiercely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and could often be heard loudly cheering them on at sporting events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Laura Milner, her sister Marilyn Derr, and her husband Melville.

Barbara is survived by her children, Chip Kries and his wife Jody of Washington Township, Randy Kries and his wife Kellye of Washington Township, and Melanie Deemer and her husband Pete of Washington Township; seven grandchildren, Jason Kries and his wife Kristen, Derek Kries and his wife Joan, Kyle Kries and his wife Nicole, Nicole Deemer Smith and her husband Ron, Kayla Deemer, Colby Deemer and his wife Juli, and Shane Deemer and his fiancée Lexi; sixteen great-grandchildren, Logan, Olivia, Lilly, Gracie, Blake, Austin, Elijah, Eloise, Bailey, Zachary, Mason, Oakley, Tucker, Beau, Aaila and Levi; and her sister, Carol Johnson.

Her family finds comfort knowing she is once again reunited with Melville, continuing the love that defined their lives together. The memories of her laughter around the dinner table, her proud cheers from the sidelines, and the gatherings along the Jersey Shore will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.