In June 1950, Barbara united in matrimony with the love of her life, Donald Banzhaf. The couple settled in the Denver, Colorado area. In 1973 they moved to Bailey, Colorado, where they lived for almost 30 years, reveling in the serene mountain views and tightknit community life. Sadly, Barbara suffered from MS and chronic migraines as a young mother. However, her unwavering faith in God supplied the strength she needed to fulfill her roles as a loving wife and mother. She remained industrious, immersing herself in gardening, yarn work, and a keen study of Old Testament history.
Music played a soulful role in Barbara's life. She played both piano and violin beautifully and also performed with the violin section of the Golden Symphony Orchestra until the birth of her third child. Her heart had a soft spot for opera and the melodies of classical music.
Barbara shared a love for model railroading with her dear husband, Donald. Together, they crafted intricate set and scenery designs that showcased their keen attention to detail. Barbara's kindness was unparalleled, and she is remembered for her thoughtful handwritten notes on birthday and anniversary cards. Every holiday under her roof was a spectacular event filled with platters of cookies and presents aplenty. Barbara also had a lifelong love affair with Russell Stover Candy, Honey Buns, and Totino's pizza. Her heart melted for animals, and she embraced every creature she encountered. Possessing a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, Barbara always stayed abreast with the times, welcoming technology as a means to connect with loved ones through email. Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Donald Edward Banzhaf (2000), parents Frederick and Grace Blethen, brother Charles Bruce Blethen (1971), her firstborn
Ronald Whitney Banzhaf (1998), and cherished great-grandchildren Whitney Leigh Grams and Emma Lee Marie Garcia.
She leaves behind a loving legacy including her three daughters, Susan Kaye (Fred) Travers of Lakewood, CO; Debra Lynne DeJong of Knoxville, TN; and Sandra Lee (Dennis) Garcia of Denver, CO. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Jane Ellen (Ronald) Banzhaf. Barbara's life was further enriched by her 18 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren. Barbara's departure was serene, embracing the eternal hope promised in Jesus Christ. In her memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to Ethnos360, in support of David and Allison DeJong's mission endeavors. May the memory of Barbara's love and faith, along with her passion for music, enrich all of our lives as she rests in peace in the arms of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
In June 1950, Barbara united in matrimony with the love of her life, Donald Banzhaf. The couple settled in the Denver, Colorado area. In 1973 they moved to Bailey, Colorado, where they lived for almost 30 years, reveling in the serene mountain views and tightknit community life. Sadly, Barbara suffered from MS and chronic migraines as a young mother. However, her unwavering faith in God supplied the strength she needed to fulfill her roles as a loving wife and mother. She remained industrious, immersing herself in gardening, yarn work, and a keen study of Old Testament history.
Music played a soulful role in Barbara's life. She played both piano and violin beautifully and also performed with the violin section of the Golden Symphony Orchestra until the birth of her third child. Her heart had a soft spot for opera and the melodies of classical music.
Barbara shared a love for model railroading with her dear husband, Donald. Together, they crafted intricate set and scenery designs that showcased their keen attention to detail. Barbara's kindness was unparalleled, and she is remembered for her thoughtful handwritten notes on birthday and anniversary cards. Every holiday under her roof was a spectacular event filled with platters of cookies and presents aplenty. Barbara also had a lifelong love affair with Russell Stover Candy, Honey Buns, and Totino's pizza. Her heart melted for animals, and she embraced every creature she encountered. Possessing a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, Barbara always stayed abreast with the times, welcoming technology as a means to connect with loved ones through email. Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Donald Edward Banzhaf (2000), parents Frederick and Grace Blethen, brother Charles Bruce Blethen (1971), her firstborn
Ronald Whitney Banzhaf (1998), and cherished great-grandchildren Whitney Leigh Grams and Emma Lee Marie Garcia.
She leaves behind a loving legacy including her three daughters, Susan Kaye (Fred) Travers of Lakewood, CO; Debra Lynne DeJong of Knoxville, TN; and Sandra Lee (Dennis) Garcia of Denver, CO. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Jane Ellen (Ronald) Banzhaf. Barbara's life was further enriched by her 18 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren. Barbara's departure was serene, embracing the eternal hope promised in Jesus Christ. In her memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to Ethnos360, in support of David and Allison DeJong's mission endeavors. May the memory of Barbara's love and faith, along with her passion for music, enrich all of our lives as she rests in peace in the arms of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement