Barbara Anita Leslie

LESLIE, Barbara "Barb" Anita, 70, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on February 09, 2016. Barb was born on February 17, 1945, in Ventura, California to Chris and Mary Bitner. They moved to Sidney, Nebraska, where Barb grew up and graduated from high school in 1963. During high school, she participated in many activities creating loving friendships along the way that have lasted a lifetime. Barb attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with honors in 1967. She then moved to Omaha, obtained her Masters degree in Education, and began teaching. In 1969, Barb met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" John Leslie, and they married in 1972. Bob preceded her in death in 2014. Bob worked for IBM, and together they raised their four children: Jennifer, Robert "Ryan", Mark, and Scott. True to IBM's reputation ("I've Been Moved!"), they lived and raised their children in six different states. Barb and Bob were avid travelers and shared many camping and skiing adventures with their children. Barb and Bob retired to Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona, in 2000. They were happy RV'ers and enjoyed the company of like-minded adventurers in the Grand's RV Club. They spent many happy winters in the Grand, and pleasant summers at Flathead Lake, Montana. Barb was an active participant in many of the Grand's activities. She loved tennis, golf, mahjong, and bridge. She loved not only all of those who participated with her in these pastimes, but also all of her many other friends and terrific neighbors. Barb also enjoyed playing Words with Friends, and watching the Nebraska Cornhusker games. She was an avid reader and a superior cook, and she adored playing with her two grandsons. Barb is survived by her beloved children, Jennifer Leslie, Robert Ryan Leslie, Mark Leslie and Scott (Hazel) Leslie; grandchildren Kevin Leslie and Bryson Leslie; her sister Kris (Mike) Fruehwald; nieces Laurel (Andrew) Schneider and Amy Fruehwald; and by her sisters-in-law Linda (Rand) Robbin, Laurie (Myron) Vogele, Mary Kay Swanson, and Coyla (Dean) Scheel. Their children and grandchildren were a part of Barb's extended family. Barb's spirit was loving, sweet, friendly, supportive, and outgoing. She was cherished by her family, friends and community. Barb's upbeat, loving personality, and smile, will never be forgotten by those who knew her. Barb's friends and family couldn't resist an invitation to visit the Grand to swim, shop, walk, golf, play tennis, or sit out on the patio watching the golfers and the hummingbirds. She made everyone feel welcome and was absolutely the "hostess with the most-est!" Barb will be missed and remembered by many. Oh, Barb, we miss you and love you with all our hearts! Arrangements are entrusted to Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W Bell Road, Surprise, Arizona, 85374, 623.546.8002. Services will be held at Sun City Grand Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, Arizona, 85387, on Sunday, February 21, 2016, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Victims Assistance Unit, Surprise Police Department, 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Ste 103, Surprise, AZ 85377, or a charity of your choice. You may also donate to a permanent remembrance for Barb, by making a contribution to Scott Leslie, C/O Jennifer Leslie, PO Box 7694, Breckenridge, CO, 80424, which beyond what is needed for the remembrance, may be used to assist the family with transportation expenses, and other needs. To sign the guest registry online, and to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.