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Barbara Walters Obituary
1926 - 2024
Barbara Walters went home to be with the Lord on July 3, 2024, at the age of 97. Barbara was born in Warrensville Heights, Ohio on July 6, 1926. She is survived by her son, Wesley Edward Hovan and her sister, Esther Chapman.
Beside her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sisters Ellen Virginia Walters, Lea Pekarek and Rita Schlemmer and her daughter Janet Marie Hovan.
Barbara worked many jobs as a secretary due to the frequent employment changes of her husband's work. She retired after six years as secretary of Friendship Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. She enjoyed her work but was happy to move to Santa Maria, CA. in 1995, where she stepped into a job she thoroughly enjoyed as a caregiver and then retired from that position after almost ten years of service. She was a member of Lifeway Fellowship and later moved her church membership to Grace Baptist Church. She often attended the Christian Family Church on Suey Road where she had many dear friends. At her request there will be no official service. Please contact Grace Baptist Church in Santa Maria for details of a time of remembrance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Walters
Rachela Lack
July 23, 2024
My dearest Aunt Barbara,
I am so grateful for visits throughout the years. When I was little I remember your home in Texas. I was so grateful to have visited your family home in Ohio with Grandma Ester and Aunt Ellen. I was looking for the photo we took by the well. Our last visit was when I ran the marathon in Santa Barbara and Grandma and I spent a night at your place. Thank you for your kindness always. Love Rachela
I will always carry you in my heart and memories
Emmeric Gonzalez
July 22, 2024
I will always cherish the memories of Aunt Barbara. She was always so charismatic, full of energy and so outgoing. The sweetest ever with a voice to match. My time with her was short but always impactful, even just the little things like gathering for dinner. This photo was probably the last time I was able to see her.
Esther Chapman
July 22, 2024
My Dearest `Barbie´ you truly were (& are), one-in-a-million! Here was our trip w/Dan to Washburn Point, Yosemite. All our love to her outstanding friends & community who stood by her steadfastly in Santa Maria, it truly connected w/her! She was my extremely devoted big sister who defies our vocabulary, as once you met her you could never forget her, & vis-versa. Lovingly Esther
Santiago Gonzalez and Family
July 22, 2024
I always enjoyed my aunt Barbara's high spirits and glowing energy,she could run circles around you, we would see her while visiting my granda in California.
As a young boy, i remember spending time with her at her home in Austin one stormy 4th of july weekend, there was a creek bed in the back filling up quite quickly from all the rain , she was loving and kind and make me laugh, it was nice as kid being there with her , ill never forget that memory of mine with her. Love and Miss You Always
Greg Diamanti
July 21, 2024
God shined through Barbara all the time. What a sweet saint of God. A real lady who represented Christ well.
She is in fullness of joy now and forevermore!
Lizzy
July 21, 2024
Dear auntie Barbara.... you will never be forgotten... we miss you... I cherish all your cards, and the love and care, that you put into them... thank for being part of our lives, during our family holidays! We all miss and enjoyed you, love niece Lizzy-Beth... and, mom, your sister, loves and misses you... as we sign this, now, during our phone-chat.... thank you for for simply being you!
Jeanie VanLeer
July 21, 2024
Whether she was playing piano, singing or reading me poetry on Ellen´s porch in Windsor, OH, Aunt Barbara was always effervescent. I (1 of 23 nieces/nephews) was very fortunate to enjoy many heartwarming experiences with this exceptional lady. Look up to the sky at night, as surely a star is shining brighter with her heavenly presence.
Mary Ellen Pankratz
July 19, 2024
Barbara was an inspiration to many. Her lovely smile and her positive attitude were wonderful.
Eleanor Eastland
July 19, 2024
My dear Barbara was such a precious friend to me! She was part of my family and was so loved! I will miss her beautiful face, her love for Jesus and just being around her lovely self! You are now home!!! Well done faithful servant! Love you! Eleanor Eastland
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