Photo courtesy of Habing Family Funeral Home
Gilroy, California
Jun 27, 1921 – Apr 7, 2013
Barbara was born in Pendleton, Oregon, but was raised in Walla Walla, Washington. She met Emmons Blake at Antioch College in Ohio and they were married in 1944. They lived in the San Diego area while Emmons served in the U.S. Navy, then moved to San Luis Obispo in order for him to complete his studies at Cal Poly. They raised 3 children and established Blake Printery. Barbara was very active in the community and was a wonderful at-home Mom. She lived in San Luis Obispo for 65 years before moving to Gilroy to live next door to her youngest child, Jodi.
Barbara and Emmons started a second career after retirement as center managers with FEMA. They ran disaster relief from Guam to Pennsylvania to Louisiana. They even worked the earthquake here in Gilroy in 1989!
Barbara was a world traveler, usually with Emmons, but often also with her children. When she could no longer ride an elephant, she delighted in cruises to Antarctica and Alaska.
Mother loved to learn and experience new things and she lived a long and happy life. She was an extraordinary role model for us all.
Barbara is survived by her daughter Jodi (Ric) Heinzen of Gilroy, and from San Luis Obispo, daughter Diana (John) Barnhart and son Richard (Arleen) Blake. Her grandchildren Bryan (Juliet) Barnhart of Berkeley, Brandon Barnhart of Florida, Randy (Jenny) Heinzen of Templeton, Jeff (Afton) Heinzen of Reno, 1st Lt. Melissa Blake of N. Carolina and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmons, of 63 years and her sister Marjean Henry Seney.
A memorial service will be held in San Luis Obispo on a future date.
Barbara and Emmons were the first to make us part of the community of SLO. We both worked in the Printery while Gordon went to Poly. It makes us very sad to think they are no longer with us. It's a great loss for San Luis Obispo, and our hearts go out to you three wonderful children (whom we knew when you were little!).
Nancy and Gordon Mills
April 19, 2013 | Lafayette, CA
I am saddened by the news of this loss -- but grateful that I was able to meet this wonderful woman a couple of times. Thoughts and prayers to the extended Blake family.
Richard Gove
April 15, 2013 | Houston, TX
So sorry to hear of your loss. Barbara was such a special person. I was honored to help her hear, which is such a personal part of ones life , she was truly a classy lady. You're in my prayers.
Sandy Souza
Hearing solutions
April 14, 2013
