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Barbara Tingom Obituary

Tingom, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann McIlvaine Tingom, 63, passed away on November 30, 2012. She leaves behind her husband of 36 years, George, two children Brook and Chris, son-in-law Israel, and daughter-in-law Jana, and eight grandchildren. Memorial services will be Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10:30am, Shiloh Community Church, 19021 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Barbara was a member of Calvin Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 4150 E Acoma Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85032. She was a homeschool mom who founded Eastside Explorers homeschool support group. She also served as president of Arizona Families for Home Education. She was a skilled sailor, and member of the Arizona Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Calvin OPC building fund. Go to www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral for a guestbook and photos.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 5, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Chris Tingom

January 3, 2013

Chris Tingom

December 15, 2012

Chris Tingom

December 15, 2012

Barb was a special friend, the kind who you could not see for years and just catch right up with and enjoy being together. I'll never forget our "pretend shopping" at the Art Show and sale, the last time we were together. We met through homeschooling in St. Louis, but she became a lifetime friend.

Love and prayers for all the family as you miss Barb. Thank you, LORD, that we'll all be together in heaven one day, where Barb is now walking with Jesus and no longer in pain.

Carol Hammer

December 9, 2012

Barbara was a lovely lady with a gift of hospitality and many contributions in the service of others. Above all she was a sister in the Lord Jesus Christ. Deborah and I regret we were out of town and unable to attend the memorial service, but are happy to have this opportunity to join others who will miss her very much. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev.14:13).

Carl and Deborah Bogue

Carl Bogue

December 9, 2012

Barbara Ann McIlvaine Tingom was born in Abington, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, on March 30th, 1949. She was born a preemie and not expected to survive. She was the first of two children, and had a younger brother named Alan. Both she and her brother were named after their parents.

As a child, she played with Mary Hoyer dolls and later sailed with her dad. In high school she played field hockey, and graduated from Wissahickon High School in 1967.

During her teens and into college she would spend summers at the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey where it was cooler. Barbara would stay with her grandparents at their summer home. Her Aunt Gladys lived across the street on the beach. Her mother and aunt taught her to sew during those summers.

She learned to sail on the ocean with her dad, brother Alan, and cousin Tommy at the Ocean City Yacht Club. She sailed on Moth and Comet sailboats and participated in racing events.

During the summer months, Barbara also worked at a candy shop on the Boardwalk selling salt-water taffy.

Barbara went on to attend Susquehanna University in Selins Grove, Pennsylvania. At Susquehanna she played left fullback on the women's field hockey team.

When Barbara's parents moved to Scottsdale in the early 1970s, she decided to visit. She immediately fell in love with the palm trees and warm winter-temperatures of Arizona. Barbara moved to Arizona before her 25th birthday and bought a small patio home in Scottsdale.

During those years, Barbara worked processing insurance claims. She often shared stories about how she could process twice as many claims as her coworkers by processing the newest claims first.

Then, she met a guy named George with a small sailboat who liked to sail for fun. She challenged him, saying, “You do not know how to sail if you don't know how to race.” This was the beginning of nearly 40 years together, and a family sport of sailboat racing.

George and Barbara were married on April 19th, 1976. They were married at St. Luke's Hospital Chapel in Phoenix and honeymooned in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Growing up, Barbara attended a liberal church in Pennsylvania, and not liking the denomination George had been with since his childhood, they set out as a married couple to find a new church home. They soon found a church in Scottsdale that they attended. It was within walking distance of their home. Barbara always felt that it was there that she became a Christian.

A few years later, Brook was born in May of 1978, and Christopher was born in February of 1980.

Being a mother was the most important part of life to Barbara, along with her marriage to George. Teaching and educating her two children was a major extension of mothering and something she loved.

In the mid 1980s Barbara founded a support group in Phoenix for homeschoolers called Eastside Explorers, which is still active today. She was also involved with the state home schooling group called AFHE, the Arizona Families for Home Education, and was president for a year.

In June of 1990 the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, when George accepted a new job. Then, in 1995 the family moved back to Scottsdale. While in St. Louis she learned and practiced home decorating as a hobby.

Barbara encouraged Chris in his pursuit of the Eagle Scout award, which he earned in 1994.

Barbara encouraged Brook to stay in touch with friends, which developed into a magazine for girls called “Kindred Spirits.” Through this magazine Brook met her future husband, Israel; married in 1999 and now have seven children and live in Michigan.

Chris and Jana married in 2010; they have one child and live in Scottsdale.

About 10 years ago, the Tingom family joined Calvin Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Phoenix. George and Barbara say it was one of the best decisions they have ever made. Barbara enjoyed teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School for a number of years.

In recent years Barbara developed a passion for smocking and sewing. She made dozens of heirloom dresses and outfits for her grandchildren. She was president of the Desert Rows Smocking Guild for a year. She developed and fostered many friendships through her smocking.

An important character trait to Barb was honesty. She held herself to a high standard and looked for the same in others.

Barb loved to travel. In the early ‘70s she visited Europe for the first time, and saw England, Spain, Luxemburg, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. In the 1980s Barb and George travelled to Hawaii, Bermuda, and many sailing trips to Catalina Island. In recent years, she and George have travelled to Maine, France and Ireland. They have taken Chris with them on trips to Italy, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, England, Vancouver, and Alaska. Barb managed to visit 49 to 50 states (she couldn't recall visiting Alabama).

In recent years, Barb researched and improved her health considerably, but in March on her 63rd birthday she was diagnosed with bladder and bone cancer. Despite every effort to combat the disease, she succumbed on November 30, 2012 surrounded by her family. She is now at home with her Savior in Heaven, Jesus Christ.

Barbara leaves behind her husband, George, and their two children Brook and Chris, and son-in-law Israel, and daughter-in-law Jana, along with eight grandchildren ages 1 to 12. Her grandchildren are: Benjamin, Cherish, Isaac, Josiah, Eden, Caleb and Charity in Michigan, and Emily in Arizona.

George and Barbara were happily married for 36 years. One of their favorite activities was to sit on the patio, drink a glass of wine, and watch the sunset together. They shared a toast, borrowed from poet Robert Browning: “Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be.”

Before her death, Barbara shared some of her favorite Bible verses. Two of them are: James 1:2-5, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” And another is Colossians 3:1-4, "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

--

In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Calvin Orthodox Presbyterian Church building fund (Location: 4150 E Acoma Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85032, Mailing address: PMB 62, 4757 E Greenway Rd, #107B, Phoenix, AZ 85032-8510).

Chris Tingom

December 8, 2012

Dearest George,
Our prayers continue at this time of great loss. Barbara will always have an imprint on my life, she was a wonderful example of how a mother's love is. I will miss her dearly, her memories that we have shared will never be forgotten. This is but a short time and soon we all shall be reunited in Glory.
The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms… (Deuteronomy 33:27)

Lynne Bsbcock

December 7, 2012

Barb was my mentor and a key reason I homeschool... She spent hours with me, guiding me, praying with me and going over curriculum. I now have 2 children that have graduated highschool and they were homeschooled the whole way, thanks to Barb's encouragement and guiding when I was first starting out. I am still homeschooling my youngest. I feel that I am a small part of the God honoring legacy that Barb leaves behind her. I am heart broken for her family and heart broken that I had lost contact with her over the years.. I am so happy she is rejoicing in heaven, even as I am crying for our loss. I love you Barb and so thankful you played such an influential role in our lives. George, my prayers are with you and the rest of the family.

Lynne Sciury

December 7, 2012

Dear George,

We stand with you in prayer at the passing of Barbara. We praise God that she is safe and whole in His presence and pray you find comfort in that knowledge. From all of us at the Disciple Nations Alliance.

Scott and Kim Allen

December 7, 2012

George and family -

What a blessed knowledge to know that Barbara is celebrating this Christmas at the feet of Christ in Heaven. May God touch all of you with His peace and comfort at this time.

In Christ -

Moira McSpadden

December 7, 2012

I am praying for you all in the pain of this loss. Barb was a true light for Christ, an example of love and hospitality, with a heart for God. I am happy to know that she is with the Lord, rejoicing at this moment, but the pain down here for the rest of us is very real. Praying that God would comfort your hearts and fill you with His peace and strength each day.
Love in Christ,
Marie

Marie Blanchard

December 7, 2012

George,may the Lord comfort and strengthen you and grant you His tender mercies, new each morning. May the Lord give you patience as you live the rest of your days waiting to join her in your heavenly inheritance in Christ Jesus. We send our love and prayers.

Henry & Dawn Doorn

December 6, 2012

Barb was such a joy and inspiration to us all. I have fond memories of those early homeschool days. Thank you Tingoms for your work of love. George, I am so sorry for your loss, but rejoicing that Barb is now with Jesus.

Colene Lewis

December 6, 2012

Dear George,

How blessed you are to have such wonderful memories of your dear Barbara. She leaves a wonderful legacy to be remembered and treasured by her family... her life truly set an example to be followed!

May you and the children be comforted by thoughts of all the good times you shared and the knowledge of the joy she now knows.

Love,
Phoebe and Bob

Bob and Phoebe Lambeth

December 6, 2012

Barbara was a servant of God who loved mission work. With her husband, George, they were great encouragers of each missionary at Harvest Foundation and we'll miss her sweet presence, until we meet again with Jesus.

Cleiton and Elly Oliveira

December 6, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Barb was such an amazing and warm person and will be greatly missed! It was great seeing some of you the other day at my recital.. Thanks for your support and friendship over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time! God Bless!

Josh Hillmann

December 6, 2012

Barbara was the most graceful woman with an infectious smile even when racing against her on the water! She had a gift of making everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was selfless, not only was she a good listener but she heard everything one said. She was and will always be an inspiration to us,
as a woman, as a wife, and as sailor!
We Love You Barbara And You Will Never Be Forgotten.
Much Love,
Christina and Steve Campo

Christina Campo

December 6, 2012

We rejoice with George and family that Barb is free from the struggles and pain of this world and present with her Lord and King, Jesus.

Bob and Judy Moffitt

December 6, 2012

Barb always had a smile on her face, even when facing trials. She will be missed by many.

Allyson and Greg Janos

December 6, 2012

Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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I am thinking of sitting in our grandmother's back stair to the kitchen behind the closed door and listening in on the adult talk in the kitchen~ and giggling. Giggling goes with times with Barbie. And catching fireflies on grandma's lawn or exploring the "woods" next to grandpa's garden together~ all in our Pennsylvania childhood. I am thinking of swimming in your pools in Arizona with my family. Of Brook's magazine, Kindred Spirits, and how proud Barbie is of her daughter. Of Chris' web work and how proud Barbie is of him. Of the grandchildren that are such a blessing to her and whose presence opened the world of smocking for her.I will miss her, but she is in my heart forever. Hugs and kisses to each of you.
Ginny

Ginny Heitz

December 5, 2012

George Tingom

December 5, 2012

Barbara taught our girls all the skills they needed for babysitting when Brooke and Chris were babies. She was a sweet, gentle lady and was loved dearly by our children. Barbara always had a smile for everyone. She was an angel on earth.

Faith Kopp

December 5, 2012

We all love Barb and George. Barb will be deeply missed. She was such a sweet sweet lady.

Melanie Bristol

December 5, 2012

I have fond memories of Barb home schooling back in Missouri. She will be missed. Praying for comfort, peace and strength for the family in the days ahead as you adjust to life without her. I'm so sorry for your loss, but we will see her again some day! Blessings to the family.

Martha Hillmann

December 5, 2012

Barbra was a gentle soul,she had a smile that would bring warmth to your heart. I met Barbra on the water, she loved to sail. She inspired me to skipper my own boat. George and Barbra had a true kind of love, that was felt by family and friends. I pray that you are at peace and flying with that angels. God Bless ~ Rick, Lisa and Ryan Lake

Lisa Lake

December 5, 2012

Barb was such a sweet person. We got to know her and George when our eldest son was dying of cancer. They opened their hearts and their home to us for which we will be eternally grateful. While we stayed with them they made sure we had every creature comfort available to us--and treated us like family--we are because we have Christ as our brother. She and my son Greg are now walking the streets of gold and are no longer in any pain! Praise be to God!!

Larry Wallace

December 5, 2012

Thanking God for her life and praying for George and the family. May the God of all comfort give you comfort. -Tom and Barbara Zimmerman

December 5, 2012

A very special lady indeed and a joy to be around and sail with. She will be missed.

Shari Clark

December 5, 2012

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus" (1 Thess. 4:14). May the comfort of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you all, and know we love you.

Michael Babcock

December 5, 2012

Barb was one of the first people I met at Calvin OPC. She made me feel welcome and invited me over for a Thanksgiving dinner.

I will miss her !

Nicholas Voss

December 5, 2012

Barb was a dear lady. I miss her. I am grateful for the hope of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Marijo Taverne

December 5, 2012

I feel much sorrow at the loss to your family. Barb was a great encouragement when I started homeschooling. I have prayed as I viewed Chris's posts on Facebook, and am praying for comfort and peace for your family.
Patty Betts

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Chris Tingom

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Chris Tingom

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