Barbara L. Fontes

Barbara L. Fontes of Salinas passed away Monday, March 9, 2026. She was the daughter of Mabel and Walter Muller was born August 28, 1934 and was a lifelong resident of Salinas.

As a young woman she helped to run the family business- Hanks Drug Stores downtown on Main St. and in the Valley Center.

Her love of travel began early, taking her on adventures with her mother. World travel continued with her 2nd husband, Elwood Fontes. She found her happiest moments in Hawaii, which she shared with her family.

Whether cooking delicious meals, baking one of her fabulous desserts, sewing her own clothes, knitting sweaters and more or gardening and tending to her loved orchids, she made sure her work showed quality and perfection every time.

Barbara was full of quick wit, spunk and criticism. She was a strong self-sufficient, one-of-a-kind woman.

She is survived by her aunt, Rita Muller; son, Michael (Gaylee) Nuttman; daughter Debbie Armendariz (Billy); grandsons, Kristopher (Rachael) Avilla; Brandon (Ashley) Avilla; Bryan (Quincey) Nuttman; Mark (Casey) Nuttman and nine great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held on March 26th, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart church (22 Stone St. Salinas, CA 93901).

Internment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery-Mausoleum (18200 Damian Way Salinas, CA 93907).

The family wishes to give thanks to Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their invaluable support.