Barbara Barnhouse

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jo Barnhouse (née Svasek)

October 10, 1947 - May 6, 2025

Barbara Jo Barnhouse, affectionately known by many as "Nan," passed peacefully at home, into the arms of the Lord on May 6, 2025, surrounded by the devoted love and care of her family. A fierce and joyful soul, Barbara was never alone in her final days-her loving household stood faithfully by her side, just as they had always done.

Born on October 10, 1947, to Laura Lorraine (Young) and Oldrich Joseph Svasek, Barbara was a beacon of strength, warmth, and wit. She was greeted in heaven not only by her beloved parents and grandmother, "Nanny," but also by her dear friends and partners-in-laughter, Jewel Hall and Dianna Rakes-all waiting with open arms and joyful hearts.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love and a family bonded deeply by her presence. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Traci Lee (Barnhouse) Sheely, and son-in-law Michael Sheely; grandchildren Savannah Jolee Dietz, Brian Dietz, Arianna Lee Moretz, Tanner Moretz, Trista Lorraine Graham, Devonte Tobias, and Nevaeh Grove; and her adored great-grandchildren Autumn Jolee Dietz and Braxon Michael Moretz. Her former husband, Jacob Barnhouse, remained a part of her journey to the end and was there to lovingly see her off.

She also lives on in her son, James "Jimmy" Cullum, and former daughter-in-law Tracey Cullum; grandchildren Brittany Cullum, Joseph Cullum, and Andrew Cullum; and her precious great-grandchildren Alayna, Lillian, Chase, Caleb, Noah, and Elijah Cullum.

Barbara was a woman who gave her all-whether to family, friends, or the career she took pride in. She worked tirelessly at Rite Aid Distribution Center until her well-earned retirement in 2018, nurturing not just her job but a work family that came to know and love her as much as any relative.

Her hands were never still. Barbara found deep joy in gardening, canning, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching-each creation infused with care and tradition. But it was her time spent with family that truly filled her spirit. From days on the beach at Stone Harbor, New Jersey, to dancing barefoot in the kitchen, Barbara's heart came alive in every moment she shared with Traci, Michael, Savannah, Arianna, Trista, Brian, Tanner, Devonte, Nevaeh, and the little ones she called her pride and joy.

Barbara was known for her quick wit and a library of one-liners that could light up a room. Even after her stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in 2019, and broken hip and replacement in 2023, she approached life with an unbreakable spirit-grabbing joy wherever she could. Her 70th birthday cruise with Traci, Dianna, and Nicole was one such moment-filled with laughter, adventure, and memories etched forever in their hearts.

She lived fully, danced often, loved deeply, and left an imprint on every soul she touched. Barbara Jo Barnhouse was one of a kind-and though her physical presence will be dearly missed, the love, humor, and grace she shared remain eternally rooted in the lives of those she loved.

She was our Ma, Traci's "Vern," our Nan, our friend. She was our heart and will be forever missed.