Barbara Theresa Boots

Barbara Theresa (Murphy) Boots died peacefully on September, 5th surrounded by her family. The daughter of the late Bertha (Johnson) Murphy and Noah Norbert Murphy, Barb was born in N.Y.C. and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she graduated from South High School. But life took Barb to live all across the country; from New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, and finally Arizona, where she had spent the last 42 years. A talented artist, Barb was an award winning cake decorator at both the Great Salt River Baking Co. which she owned with her husband and for Smitty's Grocery Store. She was a lover of all creatures, great and small. As a young girl, she found joy and peace caring for animals on her small family farm. As an adult, she showered her love for animals on her various cats and dogs over the years. Those who knew her would remember that she rarely finished a meal, as her pet always got the last bite. To her children, she was a loving and caring mom who would sacrifice anything for her kids. Her loving and generous heart extended from family to strangers alike. She would even slip a little bit to someone's pocket or purse if she thought it would help them. That, along with her family, brought her so much joy. She was a good example to her kids. Barb was also an avid Bible student in affiliation with Bible Standard Ministries. She dedicated her life to the study of God's Divine Plan of Salvation and the Kingdom to come on earth... as it is in Heaven. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, James R. Boots, her only son, Reggie Frieswyk, and her sister, Leah Murphy. She is survived by her daughters, Toni (John) Peterson of Erie, PA and Erin Boots (Chris Arntz) of Chandler, AZ. The family would like to thank R.N. Lori, C.N.A. Summer, and the team of (AMHA) Hospice. Also, Rose of Desert Rose Assisted Living and caregivers Purita and Robert, along with caregivers Tess and Arnel, for all the wonderful care given to our mom.

Service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.