Barbara Krochta

Barbara Ann Krochta

September 22, 1945 – September 19, 2025

Barbara Ann Krochta, 79, of Albany, Oregon, passed away at the Mennonite Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Albany on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Krochta of Evansville, Indiana. She is survived by her brother John Krochta and sister-in-law Marg Bartosek of Corvallis, Oregon; sister-in-law Cathleen Krochta of Evansville, Indiana; nephew Michael and nieces Tatyana and Megan; cousins Cathy Malec and Chris Krochta of LaPorte, Indiana; Joseph Krochta of Pleasant Grove, Utah; and cousins in Canada and England.

The daughter of Michael and Violet Mary (Mayo), Barbara was born in LaPorte, Indiana. Michael was an immigrant from Czechoslovakia. Violet emigrated from Canada, where her parents had emigrated from England.

Barbara attended St. Joseph Elementary School through 8th grade and graduated high in her class from LaPorte High School. She went on to attend Purdue University, earning a B.A. in Psychological Sciences and M.A. in Liberal Arts Administration. Barbara also served as a Board member of the Purdue Association for Women Students. Barbara then moved to Orange, CA, where she worked as Resident Director in Cheverton Hall at Chapman College.

Barbara later earned an M.B.A. at California State University, Fullerton. She then worked for many years in Orange, CA, and then in Henderson, NV, as Vice President of Operations for family-owned Western Funding. In this integral role, she came to be considered "one of the family" by the owners.

Barbara's entire life was one of connection. She was a caregiver and gave time and assistance to her Mother, Father, John and his wife, Marg, and Tom and his wife, Cathleen. She was a loving Aunt and Godmother, to John's and Marg's son, Michael, and daughter, Tatyana. In retirement, Barbara moved to Albany, Oregon, to be closer to John, Marg, Michael and Tatyana.

Here in Oregon, Barbara served on the Board of her North Pointe Home Owners' Association and as Treasurer of the Albany Carnegie Library Foundation. She was also active in book, bible study and meditation groups and in St. Mary's Catholic Parish.

Barbara was a generous supporter of those less fortunate, lover of music and books, seeker of spiritual growth, and devoted friend. She enjoyed connecting with people, sharing her life with them, and learning about them. Barbara will be missed by her family, neighbors and many friends.