Barbara Mae Mantz, of Nampa, passed away at her home Tuesday, October 23th, 2018 of natural causes. She was born June 28, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. She was the eldest of two daughters born to Harold E. and Delores M. Bailey.
She grew up in sunny California and enjoyed many days at the ocean beaches. She graduated from Redondo High School in Redondo Beach, California. After graduation, she began working for the Daily Signal Newspaper in Huntington Park, California where she caught the eye of James E. “Jim” Mantz.
They soon fell in love and on July 28th 1962, they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple lived in Los Angeles, where they welcomed their first son, Jeffrey Eldon in August 1963. Two years later in August of 1965, their only daughter Sheryl Lynn was born, followed in November of 1968, by their last child; a son, Scott Eric.
The family stayed in the Los Angeles area where Jim continued working for the Newspaper and Barbara was a busy mother and homemaker. The family later moved to Klamath Falls, and Bend, Oregon before moving to Idaho in 1984. After moving to Idaho, Barbara began working in an administrative position at an insurance company.
The kids grew up and began families of their own and Jim and Barbara enjoyed being grandparents. She especially enjoyed the annual Christmas Eve Family Taco Feed and watching the grand kids opening their gifts. On June 11, 1998, Barbara lost the love of her life, Jim after an extended illness.
After that, Barbara returned to being a homemaker for several years. She later worked for a brief period in the kitchen at Sunny Ridge Retirement home in Nampa before retiring after injuring her back. In October of 2016, Barbara’s leg was broken in an accident at home.
Following surgery and months in a convalescent center, she finally returned home just before Christmas 2016. After the accident, her health began to decline. Throughout her life, her greatest treasure was her family.
Her greatest joy, spending time with her family. She loved each one unconditionally and was extremely proud of all of them. Barbara is survived by her children: Jeff and his wife Stacie, Sheryl and her husband Steve, Scott and his wife Dory.
Grandchildren: Devon, Justin, Jennifer, KaSondra, Derrick, Katie & Amber. Great Grandchildren: Rylee, McKenzie, Riley, Alicia, William, Iden and Brynlee. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and sister.
Barbara will be laid to rest in a private family service next to her beloved husband at Kohlerlawn Cemetery on Friday, November 2.
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