To Celebrate a Life of Love: Barbara Ellen Barrs
May 13, 1948-July 20, 2019
Barbara Ellen Barrs, a beloved homemaker and resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, died unexpectedly on July 20, 2019 at the age of 71.
Barbara is survived by her husband, David Michael Barrs, MD, of Scottsdale, Arizona; her stepchildren, Jenny Lee Barrs-Stallworth of San Antonio, Texas, and Jeffrey Michael Barrs of San Antonio, Texas; her step-grandchildren, McKenna Lee Stallworth, Lane Michael Stallworth, Aspen Alexis Stallworth, and Jackson Barrs Stallworth all of San Antonio, Texas; her brother, Michael Joseph Kielman, MD, of Pittsburgh; her daughter Michele Reimel of Midlothian, Virginia; her grandchildren Abigail C. R. Gripshover (née Reimel), Gabriel Reimel, Mary Elijah Reimel, and Luke Reimel all of Midlothian, Virginia; and her great-grandchild, Stella Maris Gripshover.
Barbara was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 13, 1948, to Wanda Evelyn Kurtz and Michael Joseph Kielman. She graduated from Bishop Dominic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1965, and then attended business school. She lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 1967 to 1979. She then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she served as a medical secretary, billing specialist, and longtime medical office manager. She moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, in March of 2003. She and her husband David Michael Barrs were married in Loch Torridon, Scotland, on September 15, 2005.
Barbara was a devoted wife and stepmother. Known lovingly as “Bebe” by her grandchildren, she enjoyed visiting her family in San Antonio. She was very proud to have graduated from a Catholic high school, and her religious faith remained a vital part of her identity throughout her life. Barbara loved to travel with her husband, and she enjoyed making travel logs of her many adventures around the world. She was a history buff with a particular interest in the American Civil War. She was an active participant in social media, where she joined many groups to share her interests in history and her faith. Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A private funeral service is scheduled for 9:00 A.M. on July 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on 4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas 78249. Father Krzysztof Pawlowski will officiate. In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of Barbara Ellen Barrs. Donations can be made online at https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate or sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1218 Arion Pkwy, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78216.
May the memory of Barbara Ellen Barrs always serve as a blessing to those who knew and loved her.