Barbara Fay White

Barbara was born on March 27, 1935, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, the daughter of Earl William Nelson and Fay Margaret (Johnson) Nelson. She attended New Lisbon High School, where she was a clarinet player in the band and was also active in the Drama and Glee Club. After high school, Barbara attended Juneau County Teachers College.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, John Joseph White, and her son, John Michael. She is survived by five children: Mark Nelson, Teresa White Morton (Tim), Patrick Matthew (Rick), Christopher Luke, and Mary White Yancey (John), as well as 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In July 1954, Barbara married the love of her life, John Joseph White, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Though they were an unlikely pair in their younger years, they grew to become each other's greatest blessing. Their marriage was one of unwavering love, laughter, and devotion—a partnership admired by everyone who knew them. John was a career U.S. Army officer, so that marital bond began a life of service as an Army spouse. It involved date nights at the base theater or the Officers' Club and frequent moves to the next assignment. The early days of marriage quickly transitioned into being an Army mom. That role became her true calling because she was amazing at being there in support of her children and, later, grandchildren.

Barbara had many interests. She loved entertaining family at home. Her home was always a welcoming place, where Frank Sinatra played loudly in the living room, conversation and laughter flowed freely, and a good meal and glasses of white wine were often shared with those she loved. Barbara also took great pride in mailing birthday and Christmas cards to her children and grandchildren. As the family grew, it became quite an undertaking, but it was a tradition she faithfully maintained. Along with playing bridge with friends, Barbara also had a passion for collecting Hummel figurines, a collection she began while stationed with her family in Heidelberg, Germany, in the early 1970s. The Catholic faith was also central to Barbara's life. She never missed Mass for decades, and her children often attended Catholic schools—a real sacrifice for a military family.

The children and grandchildren would like to thank our brother, Mark, and sister, Teresa, along with her husband, Tim, for their years of helping care for Mom and Dad as their health needs became more challenging.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas, with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children in San Antonio, Texas, or Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, Texas.