Barbara Jean Libby

Barbara Jean Libby passed away peacefully on February 13, 2018. Barbara was born in San Francisco on January 30, 1934 to Lester G. and Mildred W. Searles. Barb’s father started his educational journey to become a minister and work nights for the San Francisco Chronicle. Mrs. Searles then ran the farm with the help of Barb and her brother, Richard. Barb’s job was to feed the chickens. She loved to be with the hatchlings and have them climb over her while she lay with them in the brooder and sometimes would even fall asleep.

When Barb was a teenager, her father started his first ministry/church in Lake Nabagamon, Wisconsin. The rural setting with outdoor facilities was not ideal to this young girl so she moved to the “big city” with a friend and started her career as a healthcare giver. She became a certified nursing assistant and started working at a hospital in Duluth and met Frank, her first husband. They became the parents of twin girls, Sandy and Cindy. She loved her role as a mother. When the marriage failed, Barb moved to Phoenix where she moved in with her parents. They all attended “Grandpa’s Church”. 

She attended classes and became a nurse. She began working at Maryville Hospital. The twins grew up and started their college educations. While the twins were in college, Barb attended nursing classes at the University of Phoenix. Barb and the girls all succeeded in their chosen fields of education, nursing. Barb then received her Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration and became engaged in educating staff at Phoenix General Hospital. 

For the next 18 years Barb was alone so work at the hospital, family, traveling and having fun became the life mode. She traveled overseas especially to Hawaii. She loved being there for the twins and sons-in law. She loved being a “Grandma”. 

Barb met one of her renters from the triplex on Medlock Ave. and her life was never the same. Charlie let her change everything. They married and moved to Prescott where they struggled and worked to have the life they had both always wanted. It worked. Just ask Charlie! Barb worked at Good Samaritan, Margaret T. Morris, the VA Hospital and other health care facilities. Charlie taught school in Kirkland. Things changed again as Charlie became a substance abuse counselor. Together they had a great adventure filled life! Daughter Sandy said “Their union has been a blessing for all. Together they laughed, loved and touched many hearts.” It formed quite the blended family. 

There are three surviving daughters, Sandy Johnson, Wendy Baker and Claire Libby. (Daughter Cindy is deceased) six grandchildren, Shawn, Stephanie, Kristi, Nichole, Joshua and Alicia: 10 great grandchildren, Timothy, Rayven, Torn, Paxton, Seth, Benjamin, Logan, Claire, Kalan, and Reilan.