Barbara Leiser Pephens

On July 14, 2024 Barbara Leiser Pephens joined her husband of 60+ years - John Hanna Pephens (he had passed on January 10, 2021). The United States Marine Corps brought Barbara and John to California from West Bend, WI and Kenton, OH (respectively) during the 1950's. They met on the beach in Oceanside and in 1961 moved to San Diego - where they resided for the majority of their marriage and lives.
Barbara's journey began in the small, close-knit community of West Bend, Wisconsin where everyone knew each other's names (especially those of her Parents – Alice and Harold Leiser), and neighbors were like family. Born into modest beginnings during the Depression Era, she and her sister Susan (Gumm) learned the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of genuine connections from an early age.
Barbara had been a librarian, teacher and Weight Watchers instructor (amongst a wide range of other jobs). Her creativity was endless as early on she painted & wrote poetry, and later she did mosaics and embroidered. With her two daughters she would turn the mundane into the marvelous with just a few cleverly chosen words of direction.
John was born in a small farming community – Kenton, Ohio with loving parents Saloma & John Pephens and younger siblings Phyllis (Busey) and Ron. There were endless stories of his adventures with his two best friends (Mark Hanna & Jim Hogan), his activities with the Eagle Scouts and later his service in the USMC. From a young age thru his 70's he loved swimming and playing basketball. John lived his life with strength, determination and love in his heart. John partnered and/or owned Business Office Outfitters & Business Office Communications with a love for electronics and telecommunications.
Barbara and John had their minds set to bringing up their daughters Laura and Kathy ("Kat") Pephens as independent women (both who started their own businesses - Laura is now retired and Kat's company in San Diego "Books Balanced and Beyond, LLC" thrives today). The entire family loved the ocean / water and their cats.
Barbara and John had a wide range of friends they enjoyed until the last days of their lives....for Barbara is was the "going-out-to lunch" time and for John it was playing basketball.
A Celebration of the Lives of Barbara and John will be held on September 14, 2024. For additional information please contact the family.