Barbara Ruth Ahrenholz

Barbara was born May 17, 1941, and raised in Evansville, Indiana, by her parents, Orville and Hughnell Garrett. She graduated from Evansville North High School (1959), where she volunteered in the nurse's office and was President of the Future Nurses club.

She became a Registered Nurse through Deaconess Hospital in Evansville (1963). Then, she earned a Bachelor of Science in General Nursing from Indiana University (1965) as a United States Public Health Service Scholar. It was there that she met her husband, Glenn. They married on the Fourth of July, 1965 in Evansville. Barbara started her career in Public Health Nursing while Glenn began his Doctorate of Business Administration at Indiana University. In 1967, they entered military service in Virginia, where their daughter Suzanne was born. After Glenn’s active military duty, they relocated to Buffalo Grove, Illinois, in 1970, where Tanya was born.

Barbara worked in school nursing from the mid-1970s through the early 2000s. After she received her School Nursing Certification from Barat College of the Sacred Heart, she worked as the Head School Nurse for District 96. In this role, Barbara led a team of six nurses to coordinate care for thousands of students across seven schools in Buffalo Grove and Long Grove. She was instrumental in implementing specialized care for all school system students.

She attended the former Prospect Heights Community Church (UCC) in Mount Prospect for many years. More recently, she was a St John's United Church of Christ (UCC) member in Arlington Heights. Through her generous heart and as a member of the Stitchers Group, she knitted dozens of prayer shawls, baptism blankets, and blankets for the ill and those in need. For Called to Care, she visited hospitals and nursing homes to provide community support for those in need. She cooked meals for PADS (Public Assistance to Deliver Shelter) for unhoused people.

Barbara cared deeply for those around her. She had a cheerful presence, was encouraging, and extended kindness to those that came her way. Barbara and Glenn had a steadfast marriage for nearly 60 years. She was a loving mother and grandmother who supported them through their achievements. She set an example by caring for others through her nursing and volunteer work. Animals also held a special place in her heart. She found great joy in looking forward to spending time with her golden granddogs, Brady, Calvin, and Logan.

Barbara had exquisite taste. Her care and attention to detail shone through her well-made, hand-crafted pieces, such as scarves and blankets.

At home, if she wasn't knitting, she had a book in hand. Her fascination with history led her to be a lifelong learner. Outside the home, she enjoyed the theater and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Barbara loved to explore the world alongside her family. International travel was one of her favorite activities; Scotland was her favorite destination. She ventured on river and ocean cruises to visit European countries, the Caribbean Islands, Alaska, and the North American coast. She also spent many springs in sunny Arizona, appreciating the desert and surrounding mountains.

She is survived by her husband, Glenn J. Ahrenholz; her daughters, Suzanne (Greg) Buehler and Tanya (Ronald) DeWert; her grandchildren, Ryan and Arianna Buehler, and her Evansville cousins JoAnn Hunter, Leanne (Nathan) Jonathan, Rebekah, and Asher Kelle.

She was preceded in death by her parents and many loving pets.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Chicago Botanic Garden, or Canine Therapy Corps are appreciated.

https://www.stjude.org/give.html

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/donate

https://www.caninetherapycorps.org/donation