Barbara Ann Walters

Wife, mother, grandmother “Nana” and friend, Barbara Ann Walters, 69, returned to her Father in Heaven on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, following an undetected aortic complication. She died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

Barbara was born on September 11, 1946, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Willard and Shirley (Dornbusch) Rood and later made her home in Arvada, Colorado. She graduated from Arvada High School in 1964 and married Dean Randall two years later; they had three sons, Chris, Kurt and Craig. Her second marriage in 1979 was to Harry Walters. They had two children, Kory and Keirsten. Barbara became a Catholic and found comfort at Shrine of St. Anne in Arvada; she served as a Eucharistic Minister and reader. Daily worship brought her peace and contentment.

In addition to raising her children, she was dedicated to her work for over 20 years as a legal assistant for good friend, Michael Matassa. Barbara was fiercely and unapologetically firm in her political views. She was unique with her dry sense of humor. A quip from a Facebook post illustrates her humor: “Ninety-nine percent of a child’s awesomeness comes from their grandmother…..just saying.” It is without question her children and grandchildren have her drive, determination and can-do attitude. If you ever doubted her no- nonsense advice she would ultimately respond with “…Seriously? Whatever”.

She enjoyed family gatherings, especially holidays, sporting events, and watching her favorite team, the Denver Broncos. She loved popcorn at movies, watching soap operas and old television show reruns. Barbara also cherished her solitude while spending hours of hard work decorating her yard; it was always a colorful seasonal display. Her ring tone sang the Beach Boy’s song, “Barbara Ann”. Her favorite song was “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music; it’s what she and son, Kory, danced to at his wedding. Barbara was grateful for her life and to God. She loved her husband, and she loved her children and grandchildren in whom she took great pride.

She leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Harry Walters; five children (and spouses), Chris (Jill) Randall, Kurt (Dena) Randall, Craig (Lisa) Randall, Kory (Karen) Walters, Keirsten (Pedro) Walters Malave; and 12 grandchildren, Collin, Chase, Cole, Connor, Casey, Katie, Reece, Tate, Grey, Ashby, Zurianna and Aviela. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tom Rood.

“I’ve seen better days,

but I’ve also seen worse.

I don’t have everything that I want,

but I do have all that I need.

I woke up with some aches and pains,

but I woke up.

My life may not be perfect

but I am blessed.”

It is we who are blessed to have been a part of her life and this family she led and loved. She has left this physical Earth, but we take comfort in knowing she is now with her Savior. A Funeral Mass will be 11am, Tuesday, July 19th, at Shrine of St. Anne, Arvada. A private inurnment will follow at Olinger-Crown Hill Cemetery, Wheat Ridge.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s honor to:

Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Parish

7555 Grant Place

Arvada, CO 80002