Barbara (Baumgartner) Jordan

She grew up on her family’s farm in Illinois and even attended a one-room schoolhouse.  She later moved with her family to St. Petersburg, FL. and was a graduate of Florida State University.

In the late 1960’s, Barbara moved to Arizona from Florida.  She accepted a teaching position in Special Education with the Sierra Vista Unified School District and was a wonderful teacher.  Later, she taught second grade at Bella Vista Elementary School until retirement.  She would frequently meet her former students in the area and always was glad to see them and catch up with their lives.  They never forgot her.  

Barbara did not limit her skills to children.  Once she learned that a man that was doing some handyman work for her could not read and therefore, was unable to get a driver’s license, so she set out teaching him to read.  (He got his license and continued reading for the remainder of his life.  What a gift!)  In her last years she enjoyed reading novels out loud to groups of seniors.

Always keeping busy, she volunteered at the hospital in records and x-ray filing, and at her church, the Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, where she was laid to rest.

A very competitive game player, she mastered MahJong, bridge, pinochle, backgammon, and various card games.  She would play almost anything.  

Barbara loved to travel.  Most summers she would hit the road with either family or friends, for new adventures and memories, such as driving cross country or staying at a cabin in Maine.  For her niece (Eilee) and nephew (Eli), summers usually included some wild time!  No grass grew under her feet; she even rode a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. 

Barbara was a true artist.  She could paint, sketch, carve and create.  She was a master, although she would never say so of herself.  Into adulthood, she continued to enjoy painting and gave many of her works away.  Her creations are wonderful treasures to our family.  She also gave us the most memorable gifts that now have their own funny story lines.

Barbara had a zest for life.  She was always on the go, full of energy and vitality, almost until the end.  She loved her family and friends very much and was very active in their lives.

Although originally from Illinois/Florida, she was as ARIZONA as the Tombstone Rose that she loved.  In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Barbara Jordan to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary,  12165 Highland Rd., Hot Springs, SD 57747,www.wildmustangs.com/donate