Barbara Ann Giebner

Barbara Ann Giebner, of Phoenix, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley. She was 83.

Born on May 26, 1942, at Greenville Hospital in Greenville, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the daughter of Harry and Maxine S. Burnette. She grew up in Greenville alongside her sisters, Roberta Burnette Bresnan and Nancy Burnette Fraley, and her brothers Bob Burnette, who preceded her in death in 2005, Billy Burnette, and Mark Burnette. The Burnette family were active members of St. Mark's Church, where Barbara formed many of her earliest memories.

On August 27, 1960, Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Richard T. Giebner, in New Hamburg. Shortly afterward, the couple moved to Phoenix as Richard entered the U.S. Army. During his service, they spent time living in El Paso, Texas, where Barbara enjoyed the friendship of other young military families-always dressed in her fashionable go go boots.

Barbara became a mother in November 1963 with the birth of her son, Daniel Robert, and again in December 1970 when her daughter, Karen Sue, finally made her appearance. Barbara was a devoted stay at home mom for many years before entering the workforce, where she worked in accounts payable at Water Resources before moving on to be the "Taco Bell" lady at Apollo High School.

Family trips were a source of great joy for her-especially the many road trips back to Pennsylvania to visit loved ones. Along the way, she developed her beloved butterfly collection, gathering anything and everything adorned with butterflies. Her grandchildren affectionately knew her as "Grandma Butterfly."

Barbara was a wonderful grandmother, known for baking an unforgettable pumpkin pie and the best sugar cookies. She loved escaping the Arizona heat at her summer home in Kachina Village, where she spent long days walking, visiting with her Kachina Village "family," tending her new garden and always keeping busy with new projects-often involving physical labor that worried her children even late in life. Her independence was one of her most defining traits.

Barbara leaves behind her son, Daniel Robert Giebner, and his wife Suzy; her daughter, Karen Ernyei, and her husband Robert Ernyei; four grandchildren-Daxon Emery, Griffin Everett, Quinnlyn Taylor Ernyei, and Sierra Nicole Giebner; and one great granddaughter, May Rose.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard T.; her parents, Maxine Susanna and Harry Robert Burnette; and her brother Bobby. She also leaves behind many dear friends and caring neighbors who enriched her life.

Papa "Train" and Grandma "Butterfly" are together once again.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley in recognition of their compassionate care: 14066 W Waddell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85379 www.hov.org • (623) 975-9292.