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.

Visits: 6

Condolences

  1. Leandra on December 24, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    My condolences to my family. Aunt Barbra was a beautiful and loving aunt. I will always cherish my memories of her, especially how I practically spent my summers in her house.
    I love you Aunt Barbra and I will always keep those memories of you close to my heart.



  2. Diane Jacobs on December 24, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    Barbara also touch a lot of people’s life’s in North Carolina, from her hometown Pembroke. She will always be remembered in our hearts.



  3. Carlton Houston on December 24, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    Beautiful tribute..
    Hugs to the family during this difficult time.



  4. Chris McIntyre on December 24, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    What an absolute beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your mother and love one. Love and prayers to the family in this difficult time. May God be with today, tomorrow and everyday going forward as memories of mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend comfort you in those moments of sorrow. God Bless.



  5. Dorothy Bragg on December 25, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    So happy to have shared 25 years with you as the sweet grandma to our two very special grandchildren. Will miss you calling me and sharing our lives together.



  6. Kimberly Berkley on December 26, 2021 at 9:21 am

    I will miss my Aunt. She was just like a mom to me. What a wonderful tribute to her as it was so spot on. I will miss the service as I am in Florida. My heart is with all of you. As for Aunt Barbara I will miss you and your gentleness. May God have mercy on your soul and be at peace now.
    Bebee



  7. Mike and Liz Cunningham on December 26, 2021 at 6:03 pm

    This is so beautiful Malinda and family. I can feel her energy and love through your words. Deepest sympathy for this overwhelming loss. Our thoughts are with you.



  8. Erica Shoopman on December 29, 2021 at 7:46 pm

    I will miss Aunt Barbara. She had a heart of gold always loves her family. I am sorry I could not not be there to celebrate her life. I love you Aunt Barbara ???



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