Barbera Jean Schwartz

My Mom was a ray of light and hope that people were just naturally drawn to. Never did she meet someone who did not see and feel her positive energy and feel cared about and like they truly mattered. She was one of a kind and has left such a beautiful legacy that has and will always continue to touch the hearts and souls of those who knew and loved her. Barbera Jean Schwartz arrived home from the hospital and was put on hospice on Saturday, May 1st and passed away on Sunday, May 2nd around 7:45 P.M. She was surrounded with by family. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Evelyn Adams, and survived by Melvin R. Schwartz, her husband of 52 years, daughters Tammie Kellis, Missy Folk (Greg). Her Sisters, Carol Sealey, Pam Jones (Darwin), Charlene Roush (Bob), Vicki Winkles, and Betty Reed (Russ).Her Grandchildren, David Kellis, Steven Kellis (Marie), Rachel Yanez (Jeremy), Shealynn Kellis, Gabriel Folk, and Allison Folk. Great Grandchildren, Joshua Kellis, and Khloe Kellis. Barb had Triple Negative Cancer and was diagnosed in June of 2019. It metastasized to her liver and although she fought a fight so courageous and admired by all around her, none of the chemotherapy used actually helped rid her of cancer. When she was last admitted to the hospital, it was determined that there was an infection that was never identified. In spite of all medical intervention, her body began to shut down and it became evident that she was going to pass. Barb was born in Ravenna, Ohio on November 1, 1946 to Charles and Evelyn Adams. They had 6 children total, all girls. Carol Sealey was their first born, followed by Barb Schwartz, Pam Jones, Charlene Roush, Vicki Winkles, and Betty Reed. When Barb was about six months old, the family moved to Portland, Oregon where Charles attended Pacific Bible College. In 1954 the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. This is where Barb attended elementary school along with her sisters, and the family attended First Church of God. Barb met her husband Melvin Schwartz in Choir and were married in 1969. Barb worked at the Phoenix Gazette, worked in administrative positions for many years for several churches including LIVE Ministries. Barb, along with her 5 sisters created numerous memories throughout her life. It’s always been fun to see them all get together when possible and hear them sharing stories and laughing about memories made. Barb still loved talking to her sisters on the phone and they remained an important part of her life up until the end. Barb also loved being with her family, reading books, had some interest in sewing, loved to crochet and sit in her swing in the sun refilling and recharging her soul in which she would turn around and again, pour out into others lives. Barb was loved and admired by many of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, and that could only stem from the love she gave and expressed for them. She was genuinely interested in others and wanted to know the details of their lives. She loved meeting new people and sharing stories. She was a great story writer. So often she had a smile on her face, loved laughing and joking with others, she brought love and light to others who came across her path. It was never a conscious effort, but more of a natural gift that just graced her and everyone in her presence. She was blessed and turned around and blessed others. She loved others and others couldn’t resist loving her in return. She was admired, adored, cherished, and loved by so many. Barb also had such a strong spirit and faith that led her up to the very end. When diagnosed with cancer, it took her some time to wrap her mind around it and give it to God, to trust Him. She held onto hope for a miracle with no fear. She held true to the Lord and trusted Him in every way, whatever He wanted for her life. In her last days, when I was scared, she was at peace, she was without fear, she continued to trust in God and His will. She was an amazing woman who leaves an incredible legacy, touched and changed lives, and I am so proud to call her Momma. I believe she got her miracle the day she left this Earth to be with Jesus in Heaven. It may not have looked like the miracle she was thinking of, but for her, the trust and faith, and hope that she had in God led her down a glorious path to touch the lives of others, and that was part of her dream, and the reason she held out for a miracle. In the end, she got that miracle because she was strong beyond imagination, dedicated to her belief in Jesus and trusted in Him. Today, she is free of pain, free of fears, has no doubts, no sadness, and is filled with nothing less than joy of worshipping at the feet of the One who gave her life and now continues life in eternity. If that isn’t a miracle, I don’t know what is. Celebration of Life will be held in Barb's honor at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 14th at Timberline Baptist Church 24645 SW Old Hwy 99W, Sherwood, OR. 97140. The service will be broadcasted live as well as available to watch at any time after for those unable to attend at the links below: https://www.facebook.com/TimberlineBaptistChurch/?ref=page_internal https://timberlinebaptist.net

Barbera Jean Schwartz

November 1, 1946 - May 2, 2021