Barbara Louise Nelson Triebes, 85, passed away on December 10, 2025, at Bria Nursing Home in Westmont, Illinois—leaving behind a world made more colorful by her presence.
Barbara was born on June 28, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Thomas Ghan Nelson and Ruth Garling Nelson. During her childhood, the family moved often before settling in Memphis, Tennessee, where Barbara spent most of her formative years and first revealed what would become a lifelong gift for art.
While attending White Station High School, Barbara earned several Scholastic Magazine Merit Awards in the 1950s for her artistic achievements—an early sign that she viewed the world through a creative and thoughtful lens. She went on to study at William Woods College and later at The American Academy of Art, further developing the talent that would remain central to her life.
Barbara was a gifted and versatile artist. She worked in photography, drew in many media, and was especially known for her watercolor work. She was a longtime member of the DuPage Art League in Wheaton and the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. Art was not simply something she did—it was who she was. Her creative eye extended well beyond the canvas and into the beautifully designed and thoughtfully decorated homes she created for her family.
On May 28, 1965, Barbara married her knight in shining armor, Earl Edward Triebes. Together they built a life in Chicago and later in Wheaton, Illinois, where they raised their family and were active members of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.
Barbara was many things: a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother—but also someone with unmistakable style and grace. She was always impeccably put together, whether heading out for the day or relaxing at home. Her family fondly remembers her dancing to the Bee Gees, singing along to Fleetwood Mac, and filling the house with music, warmth, and creativity.
Later in life, while living at Bria, Barbara was fortunate to have her brother Bill nearby. He often took her out to lunch—which she very much appreciated, since Barbara had strong opinions about nursing home vegetables. (Broccoli, however, was acceptable and often smuggled back for snacking.) Chocolate was always welcome, and family visits reliably included Hershey's bars, enjoyed exactly the way she liked them.
Barbara was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. She possessed a quiet strength, a keen eye for beauty, and a heart that held her family close.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Edward Triebes; her son, Christopher; her sister, Ellen Williamson; her brother, William Fred Nelson (Joanne) and her parents, Thomas and Ruth Nelson.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Ann Ritchie (David); her grandchildren Colin Ward Ritchie (Perla), Ellis Ann Ritchie, and Caroline Triebes; and her brother Thomas Nelson (Elaine); and nephew, Timothy Nelson.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Wheaton, Illinois, in June 2026, please contact the family for invitation and location at [email protected].
Barbara was born on June 28, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Thomas Ghan Nelson and Ruth Garling Nelson. During her childhood, the family moved often before settling in Memphis, Tennessee, where Barbara spent most of her formative years and first revealed what would become a lifelong gift for art.
While attending White Station High School, Barbara earned several Scholastic Magazine Merit Awards in the 1950s for her artistic achievements—an early sign that she viewed the world through a creative and thoughtful lens. She went on to study at William Woods College and later at The American Academy of Art, further developing the talent that would remain central to her life.
Barbara was a gifted and versatile artist. She worked in photography, drew in many media, and was especially known for her watercolor work. She was a longtime member of the DuPage Art League in Wheaton and the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. Art was not simply something she did—it was who she was. Her creative eye extended well beyond the canvas and into the beautifully designed and thoughtfully decorated homes she created for her family.
On May 28, 1965, Barbara married her knight in shining armor, Earl Edward Triebes. Together they built a life in Chicago and later in Wheaton, Illinois, where they raised their family and were active members of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.
Barbara was many things: a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother—but also someone with unmistakable style and grace. She was always impeccably put together, whether heading out for the day or relaxing at home. Her family fondly remembers her dancing to the Bee Gees, singing along to Fleetwood Mac, and filling the house with music, warmth, and creativity.
Later in life, while living at Bria, Barbara was fortunate to have her brother Bill nearby. He often took her out to lunch—which she very much appreciated, since Barbara had strong opinions about nursing home vegetables. (Broccoli, however, was acceptable and often smuggled back for snacking.) Chocolate was always welcome, and family visits reliably included Hershey's bars, enjoyed exactly the way she liked them.
Barbara was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. She possessed a quiet strength, a keen eye for beauty, and a heart that held her family close.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Edward Triebes; her son, Christopher; her sister, Ellen Williamson; her brother, William Fred Nelson (Joanne) and her parents, Thomas and Ruth Nelson.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Ann Ritchie (David); her grandchildren Colin Ward Ritchie (Perla), Ellis Ann Ritchie, and Caroline Triebes; and her brother Thomas Nelson (Elaine); and nephew, Timothy Nelson.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Wheaton, Illinois, in June 2026, please contact the family for invitation and location at [email protected].
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Barbara Louise Triebes, please visit our flower store.
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