Barbara Jean Holmes

September 19, 1937 – July 23, 2026

Barbara Jean Holmes, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born to Robert and Hedwig Steward on September 19, 1937, Barbara was raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she lived her entire life. She attended Osborn Elementary School and later graduated from West High School, where she met her future husband, William Holmes. Together, they attended Arizona State University, where Barbara earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in counseling.

Barbara dedicated her career to serving the students and families of the Washington Elementary School District. She began as a classroom teacher before becoming a school counselor and psychologist, touching the lives of countless children with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to education.

Barbara and William built a loving family together, welcoming their son, Bob (Beth), and daughter, Betsy (Joe). Barbara found joy in many things, including playing tennis, gardening, reading, and spending time with her lifelong friends. Nothing meant more to her than her family. She treasured every moment with her three grandchildren, Jennifer (Ian), Melissa (Jonathan), and Mitchell, and was overjoyed to watch her four great-grandchildren, Emma, Chloe, Molly, and Lincoln, grow.

Barbara's warmth, generosity, and playful wit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the many lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

A private celebration of Barbara's life will be held by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a local public school in honor of Barbara's lifelong dedication to education or to the Arizona Humane Society, reflecting her love and compassion for animals.