Barbara Jean Koenigs, dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, unexpectedly passed away on January 8, 2024 at home. The daughter of Norman and Anita Bann, Barbara was born on September 23, 1941, in Yuma, Arizona. There she spent her formative years growing up in Yuma with her older brother, Norman Bann. She graduated from Yuma High School in 1959. She went on to attend Northern Arizona University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education. She married George Koenigs in 1963 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Barbara taught elementary school for over three decades before retiring from Crane Pueblo Elementary School in 1995. Throughout her career as an educator, "Mrs. Koenigs" taught hundreds of children and was known for her kind nature, hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.
But more than anything, Barbara loved her family. She was a devoted wife to George and a loving mother to her son Craig Koenigs and daughter Carol Smith (Jon). She also loved spending time with her grandchildren Nick Koenigs (Denise), Geordie Koenigs (Sarah), Cameron Smith (Sarah), Hannah Smith and Heather Smith, sharing stories, playing games and going out for ice cream. She was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced. She was obviously adored by all her grandchildren as much as she adored them. On December 27, 2023, her first great-grandson, Parker, was born to Geordie and Sarah. Barbara was thrilled to have yet another grandchild to love.
In her free time, Barbara enjoyed walking, painting, reading, and visiting with her long-time friends. She was an active and devout member of the Catholic Church.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, George, her daughter, Carol Smith (Jon), and her grandchildren, Nick Koenigs (Denise), Geordie Koenigs (Sarah), Cameron Smith (Sarah), Hannah Smith and Heather Smith, and great-grandson, Parker Koenigs, and numerous other family members.
Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Norman Bann, mother, Anita Bann, son, Craig Koenigs, and brother, Norman Bann. She missed them all and cherished their memories.
