Barbara Jean Van Dellen

Barbara Jean Van Dellen

September 24, 1942 - January 18, 2024

Barbara Jean Van Dellen

September 24, 1942 - January 18, 2024

Obituary

Barbara Jean Van Dellen died Thursday, Jan. 18th, 2024 in Ladera Ranch, CA. She was 81.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 8th from 2-4pm at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA and a graveside memorial service will be held at the Three Rivers Cemetery on Friday, Feb 9th, at 1pm.

Barby was born September 24th, 1942 in Dayton, Ohio. She majored in Spanish at Arizona State University where she met Wayne Van Dellen at a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting. Wayne proposed to her with a ring as the prize in a Cracker Jack box and the couple was wed in 1963 and moved to Woodlake, CA.

Barby initially was a social worker in Visalia which led to the couple adopting their son David as a baby in 1969. Shortly thereafter, the Van Dellen’s decided to open a coffee, gift shop, and gas station named Barby’s initially in Lemon Cove and then relocated it to Three Rivers. The new location had the expansion of an antique store on one side and a coffee and gift shop with turquoise jewelry on the other. Barby’s parents who still lived in Ohio brought antiques from Ohio for the store when they came to visit.

Wayne and Barby had their  daughter Kathy in 1973 and then their son Daniel in 1978.

Over the years working at Barby’s, the couple made many great friendships with others in the community as well as tourists coming to Sequoia National Park.

In 1988 Barby decided to get her teaching credential and started as a Spanish teacher at Immanuel High, then Woodlake High and finished her career at Mt Whitney High in Visalia, CA.

Over the years she made an impact on many students by inspiring them with a desire to learn Spanish.

Barby and Wayne were active in the Gideon’s Ministry which distributes Bibles on campuses, hospitals, hotels, and other locations.

Barby was preceded in death by her son, David.

In addition to Wayne, her husband of 60 years, Barby is survived by her daughter, Kathy, her son, Daniel, and 5 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons at www.gideons.org/donate

 

Visitation

  • Date & Time: February 8, 2024 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: February 9, 2024 (1:00 PM)
  • Venue: Three Rivers Cemetery
  • Location: 41841 Sierra Drive Three Rivers, CA 93271 - (Get Directions)

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