Barbara Eastes

1954 - 2025

Barbara Lee Eastes, 71, passed away, with her husband at her side, on Friday September 26, 2025, in Santa Rosa, California after a short illness. She was born on January 2, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee to her parents, Frank and JoAnn Eastes. Barbara was the oldest of their six children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Debra Eastes.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 35 years, Neil Wheeler, their daughter Emily Wheeler Seay (Brandon), her brothers Bruce (Lisa Moran), Dwight, Kevin, and Frank Eastes, nephew David, niece Christina, and her many cousins and their families. She also survived by her stepsons, Ryan (Rhonda Sawyer) and Michael (Kristin Lash) Wheeler and their families.
Barbara held many jobs throughout her life, but a common theme was that she advocated for people and ideas. She fiercely supported her family and friends, equal rights, and the environment. She was an amazing friend to those she knew best and could easily offer counsel without judging others.
In high school, Barbara's counselor told her that she would never succeed in college and that she should plan for a more domestic role in life. That infuriated her and motivated her to graduate from the University of South Carolina at age 20. In 1974, Barbara moved to Washington, DC to work as a legislative assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives. She then earned a post-graduate legal assistant certificate from The George Washington University and worked for major law firms in Washington, DC.
Barbara then earned a master's in public administration degree (MPA) from University of Southern California. She had planned a career in government and had arranged for a government internship but hiring freezes in that era prevented it. In 1985 Barbara moved to California and became the Chief Legislative Advocate for one of California's largest and most influential non-profit trade associations. In 1988 she met Neil on a blind date, and they married in 1990. Their daughter Emily was born in 1993.
After Barbara and Neil's marriage, she became the Director of Financial Development (fundraiser) for the American Red Cross in Sacramento. She later served the same role for the Girl Scouts of Konocti Council. Buoyed by working with children in Girl Scouts and Emily's school, she earned a teaching credential at Sonoma State University and worked for several years in Santa Rosa schools. She later became a Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Senior Advocacy Services, advocating for residents in long-term care.
Barbara and Neil moved to Sonoma County in 2000 and bought a home in Santa Rosa the next year, where they lived until her death. It was the longest that either she or Neil had lived in one place. Barbara retired at the end of 2018 but continued to work as a volunteer. She was recently a member of and volunteer at the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County and the Impact 100 Redwood Circle.
Barabara's favorite time of year was Autumn... the turning of the leaves, pumpkins, and gatherings with family and friends. She was an avid reader, enjoyed quilting, cooking, and walks at Spring Lake, and loved camping on the coast and in the redwoods. Barbara loved animals and kept rescues throughout her adult life. She lavished attention on her cats, Chessie and Lila, who responded with great affection.
A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on November 9th in Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.