December 31, 1939 – April 16, 2022
Barbara Marie (Schmidt) Frahm was born in Oklahoma in December of 1939 to Heinrich and Dorothy Schmidt. At the age of 8, her family moved to Oregon and eventually settled in the small mining town of Riddle. Barbara attended Riddle Elementary and Riddle High School where she was a cheerleader, in the Marching Band, Drama Club, Square Dance Club, Girl’s League and was voted by her peers as the “Top Personality” and “Most Talkative”. Barbara graduated from Riddle High School in 1958. While attending Riddle High School, Barbara met her husband, Arthur “Lee” Frahm.
After graduating from Riddle High School, Barbara, Lee and their first-born son, Wendell, moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon. There she a was cook for the Oregon Technology Institute (OTI) and their second son, Eric was born. In 1961, the family moved to Livermore, California where their daughter, Celia was born. During this time, Barbara’s primary focus was raising her three children, a role that she loved, but found time to participate in acting at the Tracy Community Theatre and she worked part-time at the Tracy Glass Plant and the Tracy Press. Additionally, she was a classroom volunteer, Cub Scout leader, and Bluebird leader. During the 1960’s, Barbara, Lee and their three children moved several times in California and Oregon including Livermore, Tracy, Riddle, Roseburg and eventually Turlock, where they settled on a small family farm in 1972.
After settling in Turlock, Barbara was employed by the Turlock Journal and the Turlock Police Department. While at the Turlock Police Department, she was the first “Meter-Maid” in Turlock and later the Property Clerk. Barbara achieved her cosmetology license and purchased a salon named “Hare Cuts”. Barbara was a devoted member of the St. Francis Episcopal Church where she was elected to the Vestry and served on the Alter Guild. She also enjoyed preparing coffee hour for after church services. Barbara was a dedicated leader in the Kiwanis Club of Turlock for many years. She held the positions of President and Lieutenant Governor, Cal – Nev – Ha District, Division 46. In her later years, Barbara lived at Samaritan Village in Hughson, California. There she enjoyed painting classes, playing card games, watching televised sports and entertaining guests. More than anything, Barbara loved her family. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on April 16th, 2022 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Heinrich and Dorothy Schmidt, her brothers Heinie and Ben Schmidt, and her sister Virginia Brunk. She is also preceded in death by her husband Lee Frahm and her daughter Celia Brophy. She is survived by her two sons Wendell (Karen Zelones) and Eric (Patty) Frahm, son-in-law Kevin Brophy, six grandchildren Kyler (Jessica) and Kirby (Jordan Czar) Weese, Jacob (Stephanie) and Erica Frahm, Jessica (Jace) Sloan and Meryka (Matt) Skidgel. Additionally she leaves behind ten great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zach Frahm, Harlan and Nettle De Bie, Stevee and Ruby Hoot, Jace Sloan and John, Joe and Torvi Skidgel.
Services will be held at Samaritan Village Retirement Center in Hughson, California on May 14th, at 11:00 am. The Retirement Center requires all guests to show proof of COVID vaccination or have a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Covenant Care Hospice 125 N. Broadway, Suite 1A, Turlock CA 95380 (209) 664-2550.
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