Barbara Skillings

BARBARA JUNE KLEMM SKILLINGS
JAN 21, 1929 - AUG 6, 2011
Barbara passed away peacefully while listening to her favorite big band music with her daughter at her side on Saturday evening.
Barbara was born in Fresno County as the second of three daughters born to Mollie and George Klemm, who were both German immigrants from Russia. The family moved to Modesto, where Barbara graduated from Modesto High School in 1947. She married her love Ralph E. "Bud" Skillings that year and they remained married until his death in 2005. They had 3 children: David, Pamela, and Jim.
She was a quintessential nurturer who was a loving mother and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. Barbara was dedicated to eating and living healthfully long before it was fashionable. She had a bit of the wanderlust in her and when given the opportunity, she jumped at the chance to travel. Barbara traveled to Spain with her parents and aunt in the '60's, and made several trips to Europe with Bud's WWII veteran group in later years. Barbara resumed working as an operator for the local phone company once her kids were older and retired at the age of 63. She created lifelong friends at the phone company with whom she explored the US as a group called the Telecom Pioneers.
Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2005. She dealt with this debilitating disease with dignity and grace. Her family would like to thank the caregivers and medical technicians at Walnut Grove Assisted Living for their loving and vigilant care. The family would also like to acknowledge the 4th floor staff at Kaiser Hospital for their tenderness and support during her last days.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Barbara is survived by her sisters Jane (Bill) Jolly of Southern California, and Janet Ferris of Fresno, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her children: David of Oregon; Pam (Michael Garrison) of Modesto; and Jim of Idaho; 6 grandchildren: Ryan Skillings, Elijah Donat, Megan (Chris) Chilles, Adam Skillings-Garrison, Tristan and Jamie Skillings; and 6 great-grandkids: August, Amber, Natalia, Kiana, Nicholas and Emily. There will be a closed-casket viewing at Salas Brothers in Modesto on Tuesday, August 16, from 4-8 p.m. The funeral will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella on Wednesday, August 17, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association: www.skz.org
May her soul be eternal!
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