Barbara Jean DeVoe

Barbara was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to Donald Kenneth Downs and Blanche Victoria Anderson. She later attended Indiana University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. It was there in 1949 that she met Richard “Dick” Harry DeVoe. They were married in June of 1951, beginning a partnership that would span more than seven decades.

Barbara and Dick built their life together as they raised their family. In 1963, they moved to Naples, Florida, where they made their home and became active members of the community.

Barbara was a woman of remarkable creativity, intellect, and curiosity. A Master Gardener, she had a natural ability to cultivate beauty wherever she lived. Her passion for horticulture extended from Florida to the mountains of Colorado, where her alpine garden in Vail gained recognition and was featured in both The Denver Post and Sunset Magazine. She volunteered at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, served on the board of the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation, and co-chaired the Vail Valley Festival of Flowers garden competition. She also contributed articles about gardening and nature, sharing her knowledge with others.

Barbara loved travel and adventure. Among the many memorable experiences she shared with friends and family was a trip aboard the Concorde to Paris. She and Dick traveled widely throughout their lives and returned often to Vail, a place that remained especially meaningful to them.

She embraced an active life, competing in triathlons, skiing, and staying physically active well into her later years. Music was another lifelong interest, and she played both the piano and the harp.

Barbara’s artistic talents were wide-ranging. She created intricate dollhouses, handmade teddy bears, stained glass pieces, embroidery, and quilts, and for many years crafted handmade cards for family and friends. She was also an accomplished photographer, enjoyed interior design, and authored written works that reflected her thoughtful perspective and creativity.

Animals held a special place in Barbara’s heart. She devoted countless hours to cat rescue efforts in Collier County and was known for her commitment to caring for animals in need. Throughout the years, she also supported a number of charitable causes, including Naples Community Hospital, giving both her time and energy to her community.

Barbara was known for her intelligence, curiosity, and warmth. She enjoyed bringing people together and was an enthusiastic hostess who took great pride in planning gatherings for family and friends. Those who knew her remember her thoughtful nature and her ability to make others feel welcome and valued.

She was also a devoted partner to Dick throughout their 72-year marriage. As Dick often said, he could not have built the life and business they shared without Barbara by his side.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard DeVoe.

She is survived by her three children, Donald (Susan), Gary (Jill), and Mark (Bernadette); her brother, Robert Downs; and her seven grandchildren Emily Lopez (Juan), Anne Garcia (Luke), Benjamin DeVoe (Amy), Richard DeVoe, Scott DeVoe, Claire Rooney (Anthony), and Jack DeVoe (Alexandra).

Barbara was also a proud great-grandmother to Maria Lagos (Alexander), Cooper Garcia, Cruz Garcia, Croix Garcia, Ryder DeVoe, Bobby DeVoe, Zephyr Rooney, Zaiya Rooney, Zemirah Rooney, and Zaliyah Rooney, and a great-great-grandmother to Adelyn Lagos and Rafael Lagos.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her care team led by Kimberly Peralta, whose care extended not only to Barbara but to our entire family. We are also deeply grateful to Louna Saint Fleur, whose compassion and comfort meant so much during Barbara’s most difficult moments. Their care and kindness will never be forgotten.

Barbara’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the beauty she created, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth, generosity, and grace. Her life was a testament to creativity, kindness, and devotion. Her partnership with Dick remains an enduring example of a life well lived and a love well kept.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Purradise Gardens, an organization that was close to Barbara’s heart.