On March 25, 2025, Barbara drifted peacefully away to join everyone she had loved and lost, including her husband Richard, her twin sister Pat, her older sister JoAnn, her parents Geraldine and Walter, and her beloved dogs.
Barbara was born June 30, 1930 in St. Louis, MO and traveled the country with her family, moving 19 times in 15 years before settling in and graduating from high school in Big Bear Lake, CA.
After moving to Arizona with her twin sister Pat, Barbara met the love of her life, Richard, and was happily married to him for 58 years until he passed. She spent 2 decades raising their 4 children in AZ. Besides her kids, she had a passion for dogs, gardening, antiques, and ceramics. She also loved restoring old things and always had some project going around the house. She had an insatiable sweet tooth as well that seems to have been passed along to at least some of her children.
When Barbara was happy, her face lit up like an angel and she had a beautiful smile. Everyone who knew her, will miss her, and she will always be remembered with love.
Barbara was surrounded by family when she passed on and is survived by her younger sister Phyllis Kemble, 3 daughters Debbie Barnhart, Kim Lamberson and Pam Barnhart, her son Mike Barnhart, 5 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Services to be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM, at The Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ
We ask in lieu of flowers, that you consider donating to Hospice of the Valley here in Arizona. They are an incredible organization and their teams were instrumental in helping both our Mom and Dad.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I will always remember Barbara as the sweet, friendly, loving, loyal person that she always is. She could not have been nicer to me.
In a better place now…
Thank You so much Rick. She always enjoyed seeing you when she could and you always made her laugh.
I have known Beautiful Barbara for many years now, just living down the street from her. I always loved seeing her beautiful face and hearing her cheerful greeting. She will be missed by me.
Thank You very much Val. She really enjoyed visiting with you and your dogs. Thank you for being such a wonderful neighbor and friend all of these years.
After living down the street for 31 years, she will be missed. In the beginning we used to talk to her as she and Richard and their dog walked the neighborhood. She was still walking and always cheerful last year. Peace and hugs to her family.
Thank you so very much Merrilyn. She really enjoyed the company and conversation that you and Ron provided. And she always loved your dog too. Maybe they have already been reunited.
So sorry to hear of Aunt Barbara’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind and gentle person. She will be forever deeply missed but I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have with your mom and family.