On July 19, 2021, Barbara Jean Slade passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Barbara was born on September 11, 1931, to Harriet and Gilbert Shirley in Eureka. When she was a teenager she met the love of her life, Milton, at Redwood Acres skating rink. The young couple eloped and married on February 14, 1948, in Reno. Against all odds, Barb and Milt were together for 43 years until his death in 1992. Barb and Milt spent their married life in Eureka, where they raised their three daughters, Judy, Vicki and Shari.

Because she married so young, Barbara never finished high school and at the age of 35 entered college, earning her bachelor’s degree and high school teaching credential in 1972. After her student teaching she was assigned to Zoe Barnum High School where she spent her entire career teaching English, journalism and photography. She was head of the school yearbook and received permission from Walt Disney Studios to use the Tasmanian Devil logo as the school mascot on the yearbook cover. Mom was a dedicated teacher and many former students acknowledge and remember how much they learned from her.

Mom enjoyed her books, her roses and her wine. She loved adventure and after Milt’s death she traveled to England, Ireland, the Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and the east coast. She had a passion for reading, photography and her grandchildren. Her annual homemade calendars were something that everyone looked forward to receiving. She belonged to several organizations and clubs including the Retired Teachers Association, two birthday clubs, book club and the pour group. Her last wishes were, “Let it be known that I loved all of my children, grandchildren and friends.”

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents, her step-mother Lee Shirley, her loving husband, Milt, her sister Valerie Bognuda and her step-sister Connie Ghisetti. She is survived by her children: Judy Bertain (John), Vicki Butler (Vaughn), and Shari Doers; her grandchildren: Jeffrey Bertain, April Hatherill, Petria Black (Donovan), and Angie Slade; her great-grandchildren: Zaine and Brody Hatherill, Marrah Wong and Jaddah and Niko Black, Micah Newman (Dillan) and Natalie and Isaac Schlueter; great-great grandchild: Dean Newman; nieces and nephews, Gary Bognuda (Marci), Kevin Bognuda (Elisa), Karen Argo (Scott), Brian Bognuda, Troy and Darren Ghisetti, Kathy and Geri. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends, including special friend and caregiver, Jessica Vulich.

Barbara lived a long and full life. Burial will be private at Ocean View Cemetery, next to her beloved Milt. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

Donations in Barbara’s name may be made to the Humboldt County Alzheimer’s Asssociation or your favorite charity.