Barbara Ann Aston

Mr. and Mrs. Randle raised their three children, Barbara and her two brothers, Dick and Kenny, in Fresno, California. Barbara attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, then Fresno State and Fresno Pacific to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees.

Barbara taught first and fifth grades at Lincoln Elementary in the Clovis Unified School District, making a lasting impact on students and families. She moved to the CUSD Curriculum and Instruction Department, where she spent over a decade training new and veteran teachers and winning local, state, and national awards for her exemplary work at the Friant Learning Academy, a staff development facility in Clovis Unified. Her enthusiasm for education was contagious and her workshops were eagerly attended because the material she presented was useful to classroom teachers and her presentation style combined practical application and humor. Barbara left Clovis Unified to teach at both Fresno State and Fresno Pacific, introducing future educators to the teaching profession. Throughout her career, Barbara demonstrated how teachers might truly engage students in learning by using interesting, standards-based investigations. Barbara was a once-in-a-lifetime teacher and made a difference in the lives of countless educators and their students.

Barbara was a shining light to her family and friends. She was a loving wife to Bill Aston and a wonderful mother to their daughter, Amy, and son, Rob. All four of the Astons had a quick wit and outrageous sense of humor. Laughter was always a staple in Barbara’s home and workplace!

Following retirement, Barbara moved to Morro Bay, CA where she lived for almost ten years, enjoying beach life on the beautiful California coast. She involved herself in church work and community activities in Morro Bay, including her daily chore of sweeping the Morro Rock boardwalk.

Barbara is survived by her son Rob Aston, who lives in Los Angeles, California and works in the music industry. Barbara loved her son very much and mentioned him often to friends who visited her in Morro Bay. She was proud of his accomplishments and bragged about his musical work and abilities.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Bill Aston; her daughter Amy Aston; her parents Donald and Mildred Randle; her brothers Richard Randle and Kenneth Randle.

A memorial mass for Barbara will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr., Fresno, CA 93730. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 7461 N. First St., Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93720.