Barbara J. Garza

Barbara J. Garza said her final farewell on the morning of Monday the 20th of December 2021. She left this world as gracefully as she lived in it, peacefully passing at her daughter Malinda Garza’s home.

God definitely broke the mold when Barbara was born to the late Vander and Mabel Lambert on October 1st, 1948, in Rowland, NC. She grew up in a big family filled with love and laughter. Barbara cherished the memories she shared with her sister’s Helen Lambert Buchanan, Patty Lambert and the late Earline Lambert Hunt as well as her brother’s Gerald, Robert, Leon and the late Zander and Glen Lambert.

It didn’t matter who she met, she greeted them with love, kindness and care and was often referred to as ‘everybody’s mother and grandmother’. Her grace and kindness was a once in a lifetime experience that all who met her reveled in.

Just ask her husband, William B. Garza. While he was stationed in Fort Bragg, NC all it took was one sweet glance from Barbara and he was smitten. Their love of 53 years was a beautiful tale filled with humor, joy and kindness that left an everlasting impression on their four children.

Even towards the end, she lit up every room she walked in, she just had that unique magic. The nurses who cared for her looked forward to the days she would visit, she simply had an aurora of vitality and happiness that made their day feel that bit better.

We knew when writing this that there could be pages upon pages of names of those she touched the hearts of, and for that, our souls feel eternally warmed.

You see, to Barbara, family was not just an important thing, it was her everything. And that is palpable from the decades of fond memories her children Malinda Garza, Melissa Enna, William V. Garza and the late Barb Ojeda shared with their mother.

Barbara was a very proud grandmother to April and her husband Josh Matney, Brandon, Antonio, Marissa, Téa and William. The time they spent together will be cherished for a lifetime and the stories they share will be immortalized through their strong bonds.

Those who knew Barbara knew she absolutely loved dressing up for the holidays, and we mean ANY holiday. These fun and fantastic costumes were often enjoyed by her loving great grandchildren Takoda, Jaxon, Tegan, Jeremiah and Rylah.

Barbara would absolutely not stand for all this fuss we are making over her, but with her absence it reminds us to hold our loved ones a little closer and enjoy the time we have left.

A celebration of Barbara’s life is being held on Tuesday December 28th, 2021, 6:00 ~ 8:00 pm at Heartland Cremation and Burial Services in Raytown, MO.

We know how Barbara touched the lives of so many, so if you have a story to share, feel free to bring it along with you or pass the stories to Malinda Garza to be shared on the day.

We love you Barbara, give Barb a warm hug from us.