Barbara Steinbrink

May 5, 1930 - June 18, 2025

Barbara Ann (Pattee) Steinbrink was born May 5, 1930 in the Monson-Sultana, California home of her parents, Jesse Wayne Pattee and Annie Bernier Pattee. She joined a family that included brother Donald, and sister Betty, and later her younger brother Jim. Barbara grew up on the family farm during the Great Depression and the WWII years in Monson. She often reminisced about her memories of taking care of animals, growing vegetables and flowers in the garden with her mother, and catching fish in lakes and canals. Recently she shared fond memories of digging potatoes, and raising chickens. The family also enjoyed going to Cayucos, deep sea fishing, and playing at the ocean.

Barbara attended the old country school, Monson Elementary School, and later graduated from both Dinuba High School and Reedley College. She participated in sports and cheerleading and cherished her time playing on a fast-pitch softball team during high school.

As an adult, Barbara worked as a telephone operator, in food catering services, and spent 20 years doing bookkeeping and accounting at Shipman Drugstore.

Barbara met Leroy Steinbrink while in high school. After he returned from military service, they married on August 24, 1950, and lived in Dinuba their entire married life. Three years after their marriage they welcomed their daughter, Janet Marie, into the family. Two years later Bruce Leroy was born. They also had another child, Laurie Ann, who passed away shortly after birth in 1962. Barbara loved raising her children and was an involved mom, often attending their extra-curricular activities and events whenever they took place and no matter how far she had to travel. She enjoyed family trips to the ocean, mountains, Disneyland, and various cities around the country with Leroy and the kids.

The real fun for Barbara began with the arrival of her seven grandchildren, whom she adored. She was able to babysit and provide after-school childcare when the California kids started school, and she had extended visits with the Arizona grandkids. The grandkids have fond memories of Barbara and Leroy renting beach houses and mountain cabins and having the family come together for long vacations. She was very conscious of being fair and thinking and including everyone. Just a few weeks before her death, she was able to state all family members' birthdays, including grandkids, great grandkids, and spouses. She rarely, if ever, missed sending a card for birthdays or anniversaries, often including some cash for them to enjoy.

Barbara loved her church, and she was a member at the Dinuba First Church of the Nazarene for over 70 years. She loved music and participated in singing solos, duets, and choir performances. Even when she became homebound and unable to attend church, her voice could often be heard frequently singing old hymns around the house. She involved herself in preparing meals for the sick or bereaved, organizing large dinners for funerals or church events, serving on church boards and teaching Sunday school. In later years, one of her biggest losses was not being able to attend church. Barbara loved Jesus and wanted people to know about Him. She applied His teachings by being kind, fair and caring for those in need, even when it required personal sacrifice.

It would be remiss not to mention Barbara's love for the Golden State Warriors. For the past fifteen years she was a devoted fan, spending lots of TV time during basketball season rooting for Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Throughout her life, Barbara had many special friends and family members, but as time goes on, most of her friends had passed by the time she reached the age of 95. One dear friend, Avanell Pattee, has been not only her sister-in-law, but also her constant companion for the last 75 years. We have always been grateful for Avanell, for providing laughter, comfort, and counsel for mom.

Barbara also loved animals, all kinds of animals, big and small. Over the years she had several dogs: Shep, Andy, Walter, McDuff, and Oliver. She also loved cats, and in later years, cared for many throughout her life. Her latest pets, Miss Kitty Whiskers and Tippy Tail, were her constant companions for the last 15 years.

Leroy passed away after a brief illness in 1997. Barbara was also preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie; her mother Annie; her father, Jesse; her brothers Jim Pattee and Don Pattee; and her sister Betty DeMarinis. She is survived by her daughter, Janet Heinrichs (Rollin Heinrichs); her son Bruce Steinbrink (Margaret Steinbrink); and her grandchildren: Scott Heinrichs (Mallory Graham), Andrew Steinbrink (Alicia Steinbrink), Zachary Heinrichs (Allison Heinrichs), Stephen Steinbrink (Kelsey Westphal), Catherine Steinbrink (Josh Taggart), Jesse Heinrichs, and Natalie Steinbrink. Barbara also leaves behind great-grandchildren William, Amelia, and Joan Heinrichs, as well as Annie, Ezra, and Arlo Steinbrink. Additionally she is remembered by her sisters-in-law, Avanell Pattee and Linda Pattee, along with many nieces and nephews.

Barbara lived a long, loving, and meaningful life. We are so grateful for her, and we miss her greatly.

A private family burial will take place at Smith Mountain Cemetery, where Barbara will be laid to rest.

Donations may be made to:

Dinuba Nazarene Church

182 S J St, Dinuba, CA 93618

(559) 591-0815

Dinuba Youth for Christ

Link: https://tkyfc.com/give/

Open Gate Ministries

511 N K St, Dinuba, CA 93618

(559) 591-1241

We are deeply grateful for your kind thoughts and heartfelt prayers during this difficult time. Your support and compassion have brought comfort to our family, and we truly appreciate your presence in our lives.