Barbara Ganschow

Barbara Voss Ganschow

1930 - 2025

Funeral services for Barbara Voss Ganschow will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 4725 South Bradley Road, Santa Maria, with Reverend Brenden Harrell officiating.

Barbara was born 95 years ago to Edwin and Lydia Voss on June 4, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan. Surrounded by family at home, she went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2025.

Following marriage to her beloved husband, Don Ganschow, on December 29, 1951, his employment took them to Detroit, Michigan; Huntsville, Alabama; Royal Oak and Walled Lake, Michigan; Melbourne Beach, Florida; and, since 1969, in Santa Maria and Orcutt, California. They were blessed with a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Sarah. Barbara and Don were married over 62 years until his death in 2014.

A lifelong Lutheran, Barbara was an active member of Lutheran Church of Our Savior for 56 years. She served in many capacities over the years, including Sunday school teacher and superintendent, Lutheran Women in Mission, altar guild, and choir.

Prior to the birth of her children, Barbara had a career at newspapers in Saginaw and Birmingham, Michigan, and was head of the Slide Film and Movie Libraries at Jam Handy Advertising Agency in Detroit, Michigan. In later years, she completed a degree in Medical Assisting at Alan Hancock College. Upon moving to Santa Maria, Barbara became an avid tennis player at the Foxenwood Tennis and Swim Club. She met regularly for many years with a group of close friends who shared her enthusiasm for the challenging game of Bridge.

Barbara's life was decidedly colored and shaped by the "Great Depression" and World War II as well as her deep love for Jesus Christ. She had a genuine concern for the suffering of others and often helped through words, gestures, or practical assistance. For 18 years, she coordinated Lutheran Church of Our Savior's meal outreach to Good Samaritan Shelter. She also served on the Shelter's Board of Directors in its formative years.

Barbara is survived by her loving son Matthew Voss Ganschow (Elin) of Westcliffe, CO, and cherished daughter Sarah Marie Ganschow of Santa Maria; grandsons Zachary Voss (Willow) of Boise, ID, and Luke Summit (Leah) of New Hampshire; and great grandchildren Earlie, Reese, Ember, and Berlyn.

A reception in Stahnke Hall will take place following the funeral service. Interment will be at Santa Maria Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of Our Savior or the Michael Williamson Fund, c/o Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 4725 South Bradley Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.