Barbara J. Teets

Barbara J. Teets of Arroyo Grande, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2013. She reunited with her husband of 44 years, Rod, who preceded her in death in 2004.   Barb was born in March 1940 in Chester, S.D., to Geneva (Peterson) Bell and Alvin Bell, who were in the creamery business.  While in high school, Barb worked in their family-operated soda fountain, Bell's Dairy, and served up ice cream and milkshakes. She was also a majorette and played the clarinet in the band.  At 19, Barb married Rodney Teets in Lakewood, Colo., on November 21, 1959. They lived in Coronado, Calif., for two years while Rod served in the U.S. Navy.  They had lived in Casper, Wyo., and Lincoln, Neb., before settling in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, Calif., in 1965.   Barb had several secretarial jobs, but her real career was serving as a dedicated mother and loving housewife, both of which she did extremely well.   Barb also kept her social calendar full with over 30 years in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she made many lifelong friends.  After they retired to Arroyo Grande in 1998, Barb and Rod actively supported the local community events and charities. She also volunteered at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts for over 10 years.  Barb fostered many friendships with her big smile and outgoing, bubbly personality. She was close with many of her neighbors and they always celebrated the 4th of July together.   She and Rod enjoyed travel and went on many cruises together, which she continued later with her community church travel group. Last year, she enjoyed her first trip to Europe, where she cruised Italy, Greece and Monaco with her son and his partner.  Above all, Barb cherished her family and friends the most and was, in turn, cherished by them. We all will miss her dearly and take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her high school sweetheart, Rod, and other loved ones.  Barbara is survived by her sons Alan (44) and his wife, Sandy and their children Zoie (5), and Nika (2) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Ryan, 41, and his partner, Chuck Taylor of Los Angeles; and younger brother, Richard Bell of London, Ontario, Canada.  A celebration of life service for family and close friends will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, in Pismo Beach. For details email BarbTeets2013-Service@yahoo.com Donations in Barb's memory can be made to the wonderful caregivers at Aunt Carol's Place, 108 Holly Way, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.