Barbara Jean DeSpain

Barbara DeSpain, who died on April 26, 2026, was born November 4, 1932 in Bakersfield, California to James and Ora Hendricks.

At age 14, following the death of her father, she moved to Holbrook, Arizona, where she has resided ever since. In high school, she met and later married George E. "Teen" DeSpain. They had three children: Bill, John and Marlene.

During those years, she took part in various activities including 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, and the sports activities of her sons, mostly wrestling. For recreation, the family went on hunting, camping and boating trips with water-skiing. She worked in the title company business and later for the office of the Navajo County Assessor for almost 20 years.

Her civic affairs included years in the Holbrook P&Z, the Community Counseling Center, and the Petrified Forest Museum Association. Also, during that time, she and her husband each obtained their private pilot licenses and flew their own plane. They built a modest cabin in the mountains near Show Low for use as a family retreat.

One hobby she had was painting, moslty of Indians, wildlife, and landscapes. She continually stayed busy with her crochet projects, mostly afghans and loved working in the yard. Books were a very important part of her life, with her interests centered around old west history, biographies, and politics. She always had her dogs, which she loved dearly, as well as her family.

She is survived by her children, Bill and Marlene and her grandchildren, Chad, Jodie, Brandon, Shani, Damon, Brie, Whitney, Grady, Levi and Brennon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, "Teen" and her son, John.

At her request, there will be no traditional service, preferring to be remembered by family and friends as she was in life, not death.