Barbara Jean Likovich

Barbara was born at Burtonwood Air Force Base in Cheshire, England as her family was living in Troon, Scotland while her father was stationed there as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Her family moved frequently during her childhood due to her father’s military service. In addition to Scotland, her family lived in numerous US locations including Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Texas, and Nebraska before settling in Arizona for her high school years. Barbara attended University of Arizona earning a B.A. in Journalism. While attending U of A, Barbara converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later served a mission in Norway.

Barbara married her longtime boyfriend, Anthony “Tony” Likovich Jr. in 1988. They moved to Oxnard, CA then later settled in Camarillo, CA where they began to build a family that eventually included Tony III (Tone) and Rita.

Barbara was an esteemed newspaper journalist starting with the Tempe Daily News and ending with the Los Angeles Times, also working for the Tombstone Epitaph, The Daily Universe (BYU school paper), the Oxnard Press Courier, the LA Daily News, the Ventura County Star. She won several awards for her contributions to journalism. After having children, she retired to become a stay-at-home mom, though she continued her passion for writing independently and also created a writing group to teach and encourage others to write.

A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Barbara held her family at the center of her life and cherished the time spent with loved ones. A devout LDS member, Barbara was deeply involved in her church and community, often volunteering her time and energy to others. Her faith was an integral part of her identity, guiding her daily life and shaping her values.

Barbara is survived by her loving children, Tony III and Rita; sister, Rita Ann Murphy; and brother, Johnny Murphy. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Joseph Murphy and Rita Anastasia Murphy; her husband, Anthony James Likovich Jr.; and her sister, Joan Boles.

A viewing will be held at Mariposa Garden, 6747 E Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ, Wednesday, June 17th from 5-7pm. A memorial service will take place at the same location on Thursday, June 18th at 11am with a graveside service immediately following