Barbara Jean Diewald

Barbara Jean Barre Diewald was born October 17, 1931 and passed away August 16, 2020 in Albuquerque NM. Her parents were Emile George Theodore Barre and Elfie Mae Bogart Barre. She was the youngest of four siblings, Geraldine Sager, George Barre, and Dorothy Kidd who have all proceeded her in passing.

Growing up in Albuquerque in the 30’s and 40’s, she was not above letting her brother George “borrow” sugar from the neighbor to melt and make candy for her and her sisters. Her mom was not as pleased as they girls were when she found out! She remembered the charity of others from her youth fondly. When some neighbors visited Georgia and brought back oranges for her and her siblings, she claimed it was the best orange she had ever eaten. Then there was that block of cheese that fell off the truck driving in the alley - she was not so convinced it merely fell. These examples of charity she emulated and carried forward with her throughout her life always sharing and giving to all who knew her.

She had a great work ethic. After her father passed away when she was only 12, she and her siblings rose to the challenges that came with that loss and shared the load with their mother. She would tell about how she would have to climb into the oven to clean it, and she would walk with her mom to the First Baptist Church where they would babysit the young children together.

During her teen years, she went to school at Albuquerque High School. Right out of High School she worked at Davis Five and Dime Store. There she would wait until the toys were on sale and then buy a lot of them for her nieces and nephews at Christmas time. Christmas wasn’t done until Aunt Barbara arrived! She worked for many years at JCPenney in the drapery department, and if you folded the drapes wrong, she would teach you to do it the right way.

She met Gilbert Anthony Diewald, who proceeded her in death, through her niece Janette. They married on June 5, 1971. Their favorite dates were baseball and UNM Lobo sports games. All of them. She was an avid UNM Lobo’s fan through and through. She spoke so highly of her team you would think she was on the court playing basketball with them. They also loved fishing and camping together. When their son Gary was born in 1972, he would sleep under the bow as they fished. Gary was the youngest of Gil’s children following Mae Owen, George Diewald, Gil Diewald and Pennie Troxel. To Barbara they were never stepchildren. They were all hers. She loved her family. They were the most precious thing to her.

Barbara is known within her family and community as a selfless example of service, charity and love. She was an active member of The Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years and received the Silver Beaver Award for her volunteer service. She was a member of the NM Watercolor Society where she served as librarian for decades. Her paintings are cherished by those who love her. Barbara was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings throughout the years.

You cannot forget the dogs. Barbara loved animals, and her dogs were an important part of her life. Kaylee has been her companion the last 14 years, and there was Canyon, Mandy, Abby, Chantelle, and Cindy.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mae Owen, George Diewald, Pennie Troxel, and Gary and Elyse Diewald. Her grandchildren, Bob Owen and Janice Connor, Danny and Joycelyn Owen, Jennifer and Danny Lowery, Andy and Cherilyn Diewald, Allen and Debra Diewald, Christie and Bill Conklin and Bradley and Rebecca Troxel, Jami, Gordon and Natalie, Caleb, and Andrew Diewald. Great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Lauren Lowery, Jacob and Megan Diewald, Andrew Ricken, Josh and Sam Diewald, Alexis and Michael Eaton, Logan Conklin, Carolina and Camryn Troxel, and Elizabeth Reinke and Tommy Jones; and great-great grandchildren, Hunter and Remington Eaton. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Sherry Barre; nieces, Janette Diewald, Carol and George Torres, Caryn Barre, Deenise Jones and Will Knappen, and Deeadra and Evertt White. As well as numerous friends and family that loved and will miss her dearly. She will continue to shine in our lives through the lessons she taught by her loving example as her family remembers and honors her work here on the earth.

Funeral Services for Barbara will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4109 Eubank Blvd NE on Saturday, August 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m. to be followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, attendance at the services will be restricted to family and a few friends. If interested in attending the services virtually, please send inquiries to diewald4ever@gmail.com to receive a link to Zoom meeting.