It was so nice to have known Barbara.  I met her when she came with  Pete to the Englewood Library to the UFO interest group meetings.  She was always cheerful and friendly and participated in the discussions.  I know she was there because of Peter's interest in the subject, but she was always cordial.  My sincere condolences to the family.  She was very much a lady and will be missed. 


I remember being 7 or so and playing with Ami at Barb's house, accidentally making Ernie spill wine on his shirt by jumping on him while he was lying on the couch. And Barb sat with me in the kitchen, wiped away my tears, and made Ernie apologize for yelling out in surprise. I always appreciated she came to my defense, even when I was clearly at fault. 

And I remember the night Ami and I went trick-or-treating in blizzard conditions and came home to a specially made hot beverage from Barb -- with a kick.

She always sat through our 'Ami and Jenni Shows,' and if that's not love, I don't know what is. 

And later -- maybe as her daughter I would have felt... ambivalent -- but I loved the post-it-notes Barb left up around the house. Her way, I presumed, of saying she cared -- that she was there and paying attention. Her notes always made me feel secure. 

Above all, I will never forget Barb's laugh. In some ways that laugh is Barb to me. It captures and conveys her joy, humor, and love of music all at once. I treasure her laugh as a reminder of how much she was an important part of my and so many others' lives. 
  

My deepest sympathies. Barbara was so loved and during this time of sorrow if there is any comfort it is in knowing that the intensity of your grief is a reflection of the depth your love. 

   

We are encircling you all with our love. Ami, it is because of your graciousness during a difficult time in my life I met your mom. I needed a place to stay in Duluth while my daughter was unexpectedly hospitalized. Unbeknowst to me, your mom was visiting but you and Keith and Babs made a few adjustments and welcomed me.  When I arrived at your house, your mom enveloped me, a stranger, in her arms and said, "Now, now, Sweetie, you are not alone." I felt at peace, safe and secure.
I know I'm not there right now to envelope you in my arms with a hug but oh Sweetie, you are not alone...
May God bless you now and in the days to come with peace, comfort, and love. Love always, Mary and David Ward


Barbara's grandson, Mason, is my nephew (I am one of Keith's Minnesota siblings). Throughout Mason's childhood, his "Minnesota grandparents" had the joy of seeing Mason grow through the many photos Barbara would send to them. Barbara knew that, later in their lives, distance and fraility of aging prevented my parents from visiting Ami, Keith, and Mason; I will always be grateful for her thoughtfulness in keeping our families connected through that photographic timeline.  


We are saddened to hear about Babs.  Our thoughts and prayers along with a giant hug sent your way. Please know you all have the best guardian angel, watching and embracing you now and forever. 
All our love and support, 
Abby, Joe, Kara and Bennett Sanders


Our thoughts are with you, Ami, Keith and Mason. We love you and hold you in our hearts. With love, from part of the Mpls Tribe, Tini & Buc

We spent time with  Barbara and her family as my husband was also in  the memory care at Brookdale Meridian. The picture is so Barbara. She always had a smile for everyone and even a little joke. She always looked so elegant and loved her hats. We always enjoyed seeing the family, especially Sunday brunches and Bronco games. My husband passed away in June and Ami,  Keith and Mason were so helpful to me; I am so grateful to them. Everyone loved the family and they will all be missed at the Meridian. I hope the family finds comfort in knowing that.  My condolences and prayers are with you. Lenora O'Connor

Barbara was a really special person who would come to my church.  She was always cheerful and friendly.  She had a great smile and even her laughter sounded musical.  It was really special to see all these great pictures of her with her family through out the years it felt like visiting an old friend all over again and to learn that she was also a school teacher was awesome.  I love the Star Wars picture with her and her children.  Thank-you for sharing such personal photos with everyone.  I am sure she is singing in heaven with Jesus.

Terri 

Barbara was our neighbor for over 30 years.  We will never forget her infectious laugh and her Christmas season gifts of pecans and walnuts along with her religious cards citing a psalm from the bible;  And with the Christmas card, she would always include a picture of her grandson, Mason, who she was so very proud of!   We will remember her smiling, laughing, sharing and her caring for others ... R.I.P. Barbara

Our prayers to Ami, Keith and Mason

Bill & Patty Younce

It is with sadness but with pleasure that I write a few words for Barbara Jabs.  Sadness because this courageous lady is no longer with us, but pleasure because she always remembered me even though I was unable to see her very often.  I would like to give one example of how insightful and intuitive Barbara was.  I have never forgotten what she said to me when I was having rather a difficult time.  So simple:  ‘If  you don’t like A but you know B causes A, then don’t do B.’ So right.

My love to you, Barbara dear and my love to your family,

Howard Hanley
 


Our dear neighbor, Mrs. Jabs, was always full of joy! Exuberant  and bubbly, she was a pleasure to be around. We moved into our house in 2004 and in 2007, when our son Nicholas was born, she became a fixture. Nicholas and I often went over to visit. She so loved children! She loved to hold the baby and play with him. She was also so generous. She loved to order gifts for him and we still have many of the little book collections she purchased for our children.

"Sweetie," remains part of our household vernacular, said with a roll of the eyes in Barbra's big booming voice. She's a piece of Ogden Street history and will be much missed.

Aunt Barbara shared her song, her faith, her good will and infectious sense of fun with so many people.  As a young naval officer sailing the globe in submarines she was also my pen pal, and she lifted my spirits in many foreign ports.  Rest In Peace, Tante.

I would like to share the story of Babs and the turkey platter.
In June 2002, Ami, Babs, Keith and baby Mason came to Duluth MN for my wedding.  Babs gave us this elegant but very large pewter turkey platter. For many Thanksgiving's when I cooked the traditional dinner, no matter what size the turkey was it looked no bigger than a chicken. I would laugh and remember her visit with fond memories. 
She was a special and unique lady and I am grateful that she never forgot about me when she would send updates regarding Ami, Keith, Mason and her church.
Thank you for letting me share.

The faith in Jesus Christ throughout the life and death of our beloved Barbara Barnekoff is a true legacy of timely and timeless Christian belief and action.  
Barbara’s life in the Jabs family had its beginning in the years at Valparaiso University where our beloved, youngest brother, Ernest, the last of the four Valpo brothers. In 1958 he met his future wife at a Valparaiso University social gathering for freshmen students to meet current upperclassmen.  
Ernest, as president of his fraternity, was also an organizer for the annual Song Fest. Hearing and seeing the attractive tall blond coed, Barbara, cemented their relationship.  Barbara advanced to singing with the noted Bach chorus of Denver.
In the Spring of 1962, both Barbara and Ernie, were married at the noted Gloria Christi Chapel, part of the Chapel of the Resurrection which still dominates the Valparaiso University campus. 
Barbara and Ernie soon embarked on a new chapter near Denver, Colorado.  They jointly became elementary teachers; subsequently, Ernie, advanced to principal.  They were active educational, church, and community leaders.
They were blessed with three offspring, Jenny, Peter, and Ami. In that Easter period of 1984, Barbara, suffered through a horrific automobile accident, which took the lives of her beloved daughter, Jenny, and husband, Ernest.  
Peter, their son, was challenged by the accident but has gone on to live with strong courage, fighting to recover from the life-long disabilities. Amy, did not make the automobile trek and therefore escaped the tragedy herself, but lives with the consequences every day of her life.
Barbara blessed all those who knew her.  Her indomitable faith in Jesus Christ showed forth when asked about what had transpired in her life, beloved Barbara, said, similar to the prophet Job, “Even if my Lord would take all my family, goods, everything that I have…I still would believe in Jesus Christ.” 



I first met the Jabs family when my Dad, Mom and I moved to Englewood from Indiana when I was 3 years old.  Barbara and Ernie were friends with my parents via our church and their daughter, Jenny, and I were the same age and were close as children and teens.  Peter and Jenny taught me to swim - I had resisted learning from my Dad because of my fear of the water... my desire to keep up with Jenny and Peter was bigger than my fear!  Jenny and I actually fell behind in our Confirmation Class and were confirmed together, after everyone else, because we talked too much during Confirmation Class!  So many good memories.  Barbara was always so loving and kind.  Then in 1986, my family moved away again and in the days before cell phones and social media, I lost touch.  Even though it has been decades since I have seen her, I know that Barbara was a very special lady.   My condolences and prayers for Peter, Ami and families and the rest of Barbara's family and friends.

Heather and I were blessed to spend a couple of weeks in Englewood with Keith, Ami, Mason and Peter in June 2017. We saw Aunt Barbara several times and one day we shared an activity with her making clay hand prints. I had met Aunt Barbara before at yet another Jabs Family Reunion in Tuscon AZ , but this day making hand prints was more personal and intimate with her. She truly was the "Sweety". I really loved being with her, and the devotion that Ami, Keith and Mason demonstrated to her was very touching. On another day we had a great 5 Star Brunch with her. Her joy at being with family was quite obvious. It was a joy for all of us. Ami and her family will have a tough time for a while now. They have our prayers and support, Warmest wishes and condolences. Ray Whitson III



Retired US Naval Captain Eric Jabs who is Mason Jabs Robertson's GodFather along with Aunt Barbara , Son Peter and Husband Keith Robertson & wife Ami  ..Good Times :) !

My Aunt Barbara and I both Love to Sing . She was a Member of the Bach Choir in Denver and traveled the world singing with them ! All 3 of her children Jennie , Peter and Ami  were also musically gifted as well . I have especially Fond Memories of the Many JABS Family Reunions Out West when we were all younger growing up and everyone had young children . My Uncle Ernie was such a  handsome real Iife Cowboy I thought come to life ! Aunt Barbara was a " Sweetie " whose life and the way she lived it and her love for her Lord became a Testimony to all of us who watched her persevere . God Bless You Aunt Barbara as you now join your Beloved Ernie & Jennie in Heaven .

OBITUARY

Barbara A. Jabs "Sweetie"

October 5, 1940 – October 4, 2019

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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