Barbara Jean Pittman

Mother–Grandma–Gigi–Aunt–Sister-in-law–Friend

Was called to her eternal home on September 2nd, 2026 at the age of 88 years 1 month. She was an only child of Milo and Caroline (Ohm) Jorges born on August 3rd, 1938 in Marietta Minnesota. Her husband, Bob, was called to his eternal home April 23rd, 2019 after 62 years of marriage. She is also joined in heaven by her first born daughter Deborah Kay Pittman Tew (1999), her mother Caroline Ohm Jorges (1989), her father Milo Everett Jorges (1972) and her infant son Robert Allen Pittman (1961).

She leaves behind her son Steve Pittman, her daughter and son-in-law Ralph and Cherri McDaniel. Three grandchildren: Ryan Tew, Tawny (Roy) Castillo and Kylie Stevenson. One great granddaughter Liyah Lynn Stevenson (5 years old).

She leaves her Texas family of Randy Pittman (Judy) brother-in-law and three nieces Terry Sites Werchan (and family), Tracy Sites Tatum (and family) and Temberli Sites and daughter Shelby Young. She also leaves behind several Ohm family relatives from South Dakota, Minnesota and Colorado. Although she was an only child she had many cousins, uncles and aunts that she dearly loved.

As a young girl, Barbara grew up on the farm in Minnesota often staying with her grandma or aunt while her parents worked out of town in the nursery business. After her father returned from WWII her parents tried their hand at farming but after a few years with the challenging soil of Minnesota they decided to move to California in the early 50’s. While she was a student at Hawthorne High School she met her future husband at a military country dance. He was from Texas and in his Navy dress blues he won her heart! They married in January 1957 and she graduated high school with her new married name! After they had their daughter and son they moved to Riverside as he was hired by Rohr Industries. They rented while they settled into their new city and then bought their home where she’s lived since 1962.

The next 12 years she loved being a homemaker. Her children were active in Brownies, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts so she also became involved as a leader in each. She volunteered in the PTA every year from grade school through high school. Then came all of the sports that her kids played and she was their biggest fan cheering in the stands or volunteering at the snack bar.

It wasn’t until her youngest was in high school that she began to work. In fact, she didn’t even drive until this time either so she got her license the same time as her son did and as busy as everyone’s schedule was with school, work and sports they all shared one car! She worked for 25 years in the Alvord Unified School District first as a second grade aide at Terrace Elementary. Then she worked in that school’s front office and next she worked a few years at the Materials Center for the district. Her longest job was in the La Sierra High School guidance office as a clerk typist. She loved working with the staff but she really enjoyed interacting with students. She chaperoned dances, prom night, Bingo fundraisers, and throwing the best TA parties for her helpers.

Barbara was an avid bowler. She started to bowl in a league with her neighborhood friends in 1967 and continued bowling for the next 56 years! She loved the competitiveness of bowling but socializing and laughing with her friends every week was more important to her.

More than anything, Barbara wanted to be a teacher. She taught Sunday School for 52 years in the preschool class. Her lessons were always hands on and definitely from a heart that loved Jesus. Her grandson met his best friend while in her class.

Barbara has been a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Foundations Church and her last church home was Central Community Christian Fellowship where she served five years in the food bank ministry.

Another place where she served the Lord was in the National Stonecroft Ministries when she joined the Riverside Chapter of the Christian Women’s Club soon after she retired. She enjoyed hosting and attending small group weekly prayer/Bible studies and the monthly luncheons held at Canyon Crest Country Club. She served as Fundraising Coordinator, Prayer Coordinator and for several years was the Chairperson. Every fall before the big county fair fundraiser her house would be full of prizes that she collected to make several baskets for the auction. Her bake sale candies and cookies were always a big hit too!

She felt a strong calling to be a part of this group whose mission is to see every woman reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Barbara was an incredible champion for Jesus! She was kind, thoughtful, generous with her time and talents, loving and was a prayer warrior for all of her family and friends. She had written that her final wish is for all her family and friends to receive Jesus for eternal life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00am Saturday October 24th, 2026 at:

Central Community Christian Fellowship

5623 Arlington Avenue

Riverside, CA 92504

If you have been honored to have known her kindness and deep love and faithfulness, she would be especially thankful if you could donate any amount to one of her favorite ministries at Central Community Christian Church Food Bank. Please use the link below to donate. Use the drop down and place your donation under “In Loving Memory of Barbara Pittman”. Thank you