Barbara Joe Bavetz

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Barbara was blessed to be born into the loving arms of Reverend Joseph Jackson and Pauline Alice Holt on March 15, 1935, in Hominy Oklahoma. Her mom said, “name her Barbara”, her dad heard “name her Barbary” – and Barbary Joe Holt was listed on the birth certificate. Barbara had 4 siblings: Peggy Ann, Logan (Fern), Jack (Berniece) and Pam (Jesse Sida).

Barbara loved learning and had fond memories of attending Mound Valley School, a one room schoolhouse north of Hominy. She enjoyed spending the day with her grandmother working puzzles, an activity that continued to bring her joy throughout her life - especially when her grandchildren worked them with her. Becoming a born-again Christian at nine years old was a proud moment for her and was the foundation of her journey with Christ.

After graduating from high school Barbara attended Oklahoma Baptist University and became a nurse’s aide. The joy of being a nurse’s aide was only eclipsed by the joy of meeting her future husband, John, while working in the hospital.

Barbara and John married in August 1958 and welcomed their five children in the following six years: Theresa Lynn (Steve Schlater), Laura Ann, Alice Katherine (Robert Peisert), Andrew Joseph (Julie), and Diana Kay – Exhausting!

Barbara’s marriage to John was the beginning of beautiful friendships with John’s brothers and sisters. She fell in love with them all: Andy, Mary, Julie, Frankie, Tony, Annie, Fannie, Eddie, Margie, and Dolores.

Barbara was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Phil, Danielle, Nick, Jim, Brian, Kenny, Joe, Cody, John (Gretel), Katie (Ben), Abi, Bryan, Brandon and 5 great grandchildren: Uriah, Jaden, Anthony, Ila and Easton.

After Barbara perfected being a room mother and a member of the PTA, she began work at Baxter Laboratories where she made lasting friendships. She flourished as the Director of Daycare at the First Baptist Church of McHenry, Il.

Barbara with her husband John retired to Mesa, AZ where she continued to build new friendships and develop her Mahjong skills. Barbara loved to go out to lunch and play cards with her family as often as possible. She could feed the masses with a minute’s notice and the meal would be perfect, especially if it was Southern Fried Chicken. If you couldn’t find her sewing, look under a book. As an avid reader, we often found her asleep with a book over her eyes.

Barbara was a member of the Cherokee Tribe and honored as a Cherokee Elder in November 2014 for her commitment to the preservation and conservancy of Cherokee customs and heritage.

Barbara passed away on June 13 after an annoying battle with leukemia. Her absence will be felt, but she has left a legacy of caring and love.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, sister Peggy Ann, brother Logan, and grandson Nick.

Barbara’s final resting place will be in Hominy, Oklahoma.

Service date is scheduled for 10:00am on Friday June 24th, 2022

Located at Powell Funeral Home 223 N. Wood Ave Hominy, OK 74035