Barbara Drake Renfro

Renfro, Barbara Drake Walley
formerly of Roswell NM, peacefully left this life at the age of 91 in Phoenix, AZ, on 15 March 2014. Born 17 February 1923 in Quincy, MA, she was the eldest daughter of the late Earle and Hazel (Goodspeed) Drake. Her younger sister Shirley (Drake) Rocca preceded her in death in 2001. A graduate of North Quincy High School in 1941, she moved west with her family just before WWII. In San Diego, CA, she met the late CDR (USN, Ret) David M. Walley; they married in 1943. Dave and Barb were blessed with three children: Sandra Lee, Leona Jean and David Martin, Jr. The Walleys retired to Washington State until David's death in 1972, when Barbara relocated to San Diego, CA. Barbara was fortunate to find two loves in her life; and in 1977 she married CAPT (USN, Ret) Joe B. Renfro, Jr. in San Diego, CA, on their shared birthdays. From the beginning, their philosophy was that all the children and grandchildren were theirs equally. Barbara is survived by her children Sandra Garcia (Lawrence Moench), Leona Smith (Don), D. Martin Walley, Jr., G. Carol Schultz (Lee), Joe B. Renfro, III (Gloria) and Cherry Hooker (Jay). Daughter Mari Basham (Bill) predeceased Barbara and Joe in death; Joe, Jr. died in Roswell, NM in 2011. Barbara is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was an accomplished seamstress and a talented cook and hostess, creating many fantastic parties, dinners and events in her home. No one ever entered her home without feeling both an honored guest and part of the family. Barbara was also a universal blood donor. She was very active in the Methodist Church and was a strong and spiritual influence on many lives, with her exceptionally loving and giving soul. Her Family and friends were fortunate to be graced with her love, and are better people for knowing her. While we mourn her loss, and are grieved at her passing, we are sure she is dancing in heaven, full of joy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Services - North Central Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at Creighton United Methodist Church, 4900 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix. Please feel free to send a donation in Barbara's name to the Salvation Army at 2707 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008, Attention: Deb Oberhamer.