Barbara J Lane

On Friday, April 4, 2025, we lost the matriarch of our family and the glue that holds us all together. Barbara Jean Lane was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, with her family by her side.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Chapel with Steve Lane and Rev. Rick Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Barbara was born December 22, 1937, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Kenneth and Marie Hollis, the oldest of three children. She was instrumental in raising her two younger brothers. She was a proud graduate of WFHS. In 1952, Barbara met the love of her life, Frederick D. Lane. They were united in marriage on July 16, 1954, and were fortunate to enjoy 67 years together prior to his passing. Barbara and Fred’s union was blessed with four children, Diane, Steve, Mike, and Lisa. She was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Barbara took pride and never shied away from hard work or dedication, enjoying a strong work ethic, which she passed down to the following generation. Following the birth of her children, Barbara began a career by joining her husband’s family business, Lane’s Nursing Home, in 1965, providing care to the elderly. She was the 398th Nursing Home Administrator licensed in the State of Texas. She continued to work as a nursing home consultant until the age of 84.

In the event you are not personally acquainted with Barbara, here is a writing from her granddaughter, LoLo Lane:

My Nana,

You were simply the best. You were called daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, administrator, and friend, but to me your name was, “my Nana.” Technically, you were known as “my Nana” to all of us grandkids, but we were okay with that because you always had more than enough love to go around.

When I think of the impact you have had on my life, it’s immeasurable. To me, you were the center of our family. You valued togetherness. Every Sunday, without fail, you brought us together for a big lunch whether it be a ham or a roast at Rifle Range Road, or out to eat at Uncle Lynn’s. This was more than just a meal; it was a ritual and a reminder that family is sacred, and time together is a gift.

Which reminds me, I don’t think everyone sets out a glamorous appetizer of assorted pickles on expensive crystal platters before a meal, but you did, and I’m so glad you were extra in that way.

Thank you for taking me to work with you so much during my early childhood. It was a privilege to see you run Denver Manor Nursing Home. You were a force!

It wasn’t until I was an adult sharing childhood stories that I realized, I had a special one. Turns out, not a lot of seven years old’s have friends that are patients in a nursing home. And apparently, it is not “normal” to enjoy your afternoon snack from a vending machine at the nurse’s station. While other kids watched TV or played outside, my choices for entertainment were watching the bingo game, listening to the piano in the foyer, watching the nurses wrangle Mr. Patterson when he was acting up yet again, or my personal favorite: getting to pass out cigarettes to the patients during their smoke break.

I think about all the stories I’ve heard over the years of mom and her siblings, and of Papa. You were a true saint, a good sport with a good sense of humor. You put up with four kids, a husband that was a one man circus and ran a whole nursing home! I can still hear you shouting, “FREDDY!” when you would come across a rubber snake or rubber mouse courtesy of Papa; Or “FREDDY!” when Papa came home randomly with a bicycle… or a boat… or a “one owner truck;” Or “FREDDY!” when Papa would buy you intimates for Christmas every year and you’d opened them in front of the whole family!

There are so many memories of you that will live rent-free in my mind for the rest of my life. All the Thanksgivings, the Christmases, the Birthdays at Chuck E Cheese, the Easter Egg Hunts at your house, riding ATVs and jumping on the trampoline, making homemade ice cream, watching you fry up that okra, and sitting on the counter eating grapes right out of the strainer just watching you move through that kitchen like it was your symphony. I’ll cherish the memories of you digging in your purse to give me a Lifesavers mint or a strawberry candy. I’ll even cherish the pinches on the back of the arm when I was acting up in church. I’ll sure miss you texting me, “I’m so proud of you.” But I’ll look at that text often and smile.

Reflecting on the beautiful life you created the word that comes to mind is, “example.” An example is, “a person regarded as a model to be imitated.” That is, YOU. You set the standard for how to love, how to care, and how to treat others. You held it all together, an anchor for so many without asking for recognition. I always admired the quiet strength you embodied. I will miss your physical presence here on earth, your laugh filling the room, your home cooking, your advice, your support, and so much more, but I have peace in knowing you are currently in the greatest company!

Your legacy lives on in every moment we choose family first, and every act of kindness we can offer to others. Thank you for showing us how it’s done. We love you, Nana.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick D. Lane; daughter, Diane Lane DeWitt; parents, Kenneth and Marie Hollis; and her beloved Yorkie, Benji.

Barbara is survived by her children, Steve Lane and wife, D’Lynn, Mike Lane and wife, Cindy, Lisa White and husband, Harold; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Brandon, Brady, Justin, Kristen, Lauren, and Kelsey; her great-grandchildren, Kylan, Tucker, Kinslee, Emerson, Lakely, Lane, Valerie, and Logan; her brothers, Ray Hollis and wife Mary, and Roy Hollis; and many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Pallbearers serving with great respect and love are Brandon Lane, Brady Lane, Justin Morath, David Hollis, Todd Lane, Lance Lane, and Tucker Morath (honorary).

We miss you immensely. However, we find comfort in knowing that your legacy lives on through the lives of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through the lessons you taught us and the love you’ve shown us. We will cherish your memories forever.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to many of the individuals who provided medical care to Barbara, especially Philbin-Prothro Inpatient Care Center, Trans Star Ambulance, Dr. Courtney Campbell, and Ryan Tacker of North Texas Rehabilitation Center.