The Fresno native was born to Arthur and Queenie (Bingham) Bennett on October 17, 1928. She was a graduate of Fresno High School and attended Fresno City College. She was a homemaker and an excellent hostess who was known for her good cooking. Her many friends often commented on her fun personality, her wacky sense of humor and her dedication to her children. She was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed mysteries and thrillers. She loved to play bridge and delighted in sharing fine wine with her family and friends. Barbara also had a good eye as an amateur photographer. She and her late husband, Haley Greenfield, traveled widely throughout the United States and Europe.
She is survived by her four children: Rick (Jan) Schoenwald of Fresno, Sue (Glenn) Nowicki of Visalia, Dave Schoenwald of Los Gatos, and Sandy Oneal of Paso Robles, as well as grandchildren: Brett and Greg Schoenwald, Jeremy, Jon, Maria and David Nowicki, Anne Hedberg, Heidi Schoenwald, Halle and Rya Kane, and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved cousin and friend, Forrest “Bing” Bingham, and several nieces and nephews.
In 1975, she was selected as Fresno’s Mother of the Year, and represented the city at the state Mother of the Year contest in southern California. She was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and volunteered her time at the church and with other agencies throughout the city, including the Fresno Rescue Mission and as a “pink lady” at Community Hospital. She was a leader in Cubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and participated in PTA groups.
She also lived at Shaver Lake, Indian Wells and Paso Robles before returning to Fresno for the last several years of her life.
Her family and friends will miss her quick smile, her generous spirit and her big heart.
A graveside service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 1:00 P.M. in Fresno.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter.
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