Barbara Ann Prosper

Barbara Ann Prosper, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on August 17, 1938 in San Jose, California, the fifth of five children born to William B. Gretz and Bertha (Shumate) Gretz. She grew up in Mt. View, California and graduated in 1956 from Notre Dame Catholic High School in San Jose. On November 23, 1957, Barbara wed her high school sweetheart, Victor Prosper, Jr. With her husband’s 27 year career serving our country in the U. S. Air Force, Barbara lived in many places across the United States as well as in Okinawa and Germany. Barbara and Victor raised three children: Kathleen, Victoria, and Elizabeth, whom Barbara fondly called “her three queens.” Having a keen mind for numbers and math, Barbara worked various bookkeeping and secretarial jobs and always very much enjoyed them. She was an avid golfer, bridge player, traveler, and angel collector. Additionally, she was talented in many crafts. True to her California roots, Barbara tremendously enjoyed the beach. She was an excellent cook and hostess and delighted in entertaining her many friends in her home. From the moment her father surprised her with a new puppy of her very own when she was four or five years old, Barbara loved dogs and she treasured the many furry friends who became a part of her family over the years. She and Victor have been long time residents of the Army Residence Community in San Antonio.

Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents William and Bertha Gretz; her sister Dolores Winans; her brother Bill Gretz, Jr.; and her brother Paul Gretz. She is survived by: her husband of 65 years, Victor Prosper; her sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Lonnie Normandin; her sister-in-law Rena Gretz; many nieces and nephews; her three daughters Kathleen Greene and husband Scott of Bayfield, Colorado; Victoria Leland and husband David of Plano, Texas; and Elizabeth Charbo and husband Mike of Ft. Collins, Colorado; her four granddaughters Jennifer Leland, Megan (Leland) Karwoski, Morgan Charbo, and Jaime Charbo; and her three great-granddaughters Mary Claire Karwoski, Charlotte Karwoski, and Josephine Karwoski.

Barbara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Elara Caring Hospice, especially Aubrey and Edelia, for their loving care in Barbara’s final weeks.

Funeral Arrangements:

Monday, November 20, 202311:30 a.m.: Rosary and Funeral Mass at the Army Residence Community Chapel12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Reception to Celebrate Barbara’s life at the Army Residence Community Hero’s Hall

Tuesday, November 21, 2023Internment at Ft. Sam Houston National Military Cemetery