Barbara Armenta

Barbara Armenta

October 5, 1951 - January 16, 2025

Santa Maria - Our beloved Barbara Armenta, 73, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family: her husband and children as well as her brothers, sisters and their spouses.

Barbara was born October 5, 1951, in Inglewood, CA when her dad was attending USC. After his graduation, when Barbara was one, the family returned to his hometown of Santa Maria where she lived for the rest of her life. Barbara attended local schools: Orange Street Kindergarten, St. Mary's Catholic School, Santa Maria High School, Allan Hancock College, and San Jose State University. Her working career included Santa Maria Savings and Loan, ARCS Mortgage, and fifteen years with Heritage Concrete. While working as a teller at the savings and loan, she met her husband-to-be Vince Armenta. When Vince arrived to take her out on their first date, Barbara's eight siblings gathered at the living room window to check out this new suitor. Barbara and Vince looked like two beautiful impeccably dressed individuals; surely they belonged together! Barbara and Vince were married August 28, 1976 at St. Mary's Church in Santa Maria.

Barbara was the second of nine children born to Kenneth and Leona Ford. She was always sweet, loyal, kind, and righteous. People everywhere were attracted to her demure, feminine beauty and when you got to know her, you couldn't help but love her and want to protect her. Barbara seemed delicate, but she was actually incredibly strong with whatever life brought her way. In any situation, Barbara's focus was on you: you were the one she cared about. She would always bring a smile, a laugh, a loving touch, a silly memory, and a helping hand. Barbara found great joy sharing time with her children and grandchildren, she loved them all dearly. Her children's fondest memories revolve around how their mom made every birthday and holiday so special for them. Now her children have continued these traditions with their own children, and Barbara's grandchildren will undoubtedly do the same.

Barbara is survived by her husband Vince Armenta, daughter Kristy (Joel) Tolbert, son Matt Armenta, daughter Haley (Miguel) Luna, and by her grandchildren Emmaline, Adelaide, Winifred, Milo, and Isla. She is also survived by her sisters, brothers and their spouses: Peggy (Craig) Cheadle, Jerry (Gayle) Ford, Don (Nina) Ford, Joni (Randy) Monroe, Jim Ford, Connie James, and Michelle Smith. She also leaves behind numerous dear nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews, and her dear cousin Sharon (Dale) Falcone. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth E. (1971) and Leona Ford (1981) and her sister Trisha McDaniel (2012).

Services will be held at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary on Monday, January 27: visitation at 9:00 AM, funeral service at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside gathering at the Santa Maria Cemetery.