Barbara Alaine McLeod

1939 - 2025

BARBARA ALAINE McLEOD

August 3, 1939 – July 12, 2025

Bakersfield – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a remarkable woman, our mother, Barbara McLeod. She left this world to be with her Savior on July 12, 2025 after nearly 86 years of a joy filled life. God granted her a peaceful passing surrounded by dozens of her family members.

Barbara was born in Mina, South Dakota on August 3, 1939. At the age of seven, her parents E.L. and Hazel Goodspeed relocated the family to Buttonwillow being commissioned by Elmer Houchin to be a foreman for his farming operation. Growing up as a farmer's daughter, Barbara was outgoing, athletic (she could walk down the street on her hands) and lived the "American Dream." She went on to marry the local pro-baseball star Gar McLeod in 1958. Gar left baseball the following year, joining Barbara's family in cotton farming and they went on to raise three all-star athletes, Mike McLeod, Laurie (McLeod) Freitas and Rick McLeod.

In 1968, Barbara and Gar moved the family to Bakersfield, where they were active in the kids' school, sports and church activities. Whether it was a baseball field, a basketball court or a College Football Stadium, Barbara's voice could be heard above the crowd cheering for her kids and their fellow team mates.

Barbara had the gift of evangelism. If you came to her home, rode with her in the car or happened to stand with her in line at the grocery store, you heard her share the love of Jesus. She was a passionate disciple of Christ and believed in putting "feet" to her faith. She spoke unashamedly about the saving grace of Jesus Christ to anyone who would listen. She hosted Bible studies in her home led by evangelists and Bible teachers from Teen Challenge, Calvary Chapel and Valley Bible Fellowship. For Barbara, to live was Christ, and to die was gain. Philippians 1:21

She has finished her race, and now after a lifetime of serving Christ has heard the words that really matter: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gar, his parents Rex and Beulah McLeod, and her parents E.L. and Hazel Goodspeed. Barbara is survived by her sister and brother and their spouses, Sheri and Richie and Fred and Linda, her children and their spouses Mike, Laurie and Jim, and Rick and Sheila; her grandchildren Garrett, Jessica, Hannah, Alexus, Katie, Audra, Kimberly and 10 great grand children.

Visitation for Barbara McLeod will be held at Greenlawn Mortuary NE (3700 River Blvd location) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 4:00-8:00pm and Celebration of life will be held at Valley Bible Fellowship (2300 E. Brundage Ln.) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00am (graveside 9:00am).

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