Barbara Ann Wiens

She is preceded in death by her husband of 28 years Abe J. Wiens, and her sons Anthony J. Wiens and Steven J. Wiens. She is survived by her children Julie Vanderpool and her husband Dan of Madera, CA, Ellen Wiens of Sacramento, CA, and Howard J. Wiens of Fresno, CA. Barbara was blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Barbara was born on February 28, 1937, in Marshall, OK. She was raised in Avenal, CA, and was a member of the Avenal First Baptist Church. In her youth, Barbara was a charismatic and deeply caring individual. She exemplified these qualities within her community as a

member of Job’s Daughters, an organization focused on empowering current and future generations of young women. Barbara also participated in sports and played several roles in Avenal High School's various theatrical productions.

After graduation, she moved to Hanford, CA, and was employed as an operator for the local Pacific Telephone Company. As she began her career of connecting people over phone lines, life would soon grant Barbara a connection she would never forget. In 1955, Barbara met and married the love of her life, Abe J. Wiens. Both Barbara and Abe were members of Hanford’s First Baptist Church. The happily married couple would go on to set an example for their five children that encompassed Christian virtues and the importance of taking care and loving one’s family above all else.

While raising five children and marrying the love of her life would have been enough for some, Barbara wasn’t ready to rest on her laurels. She enrolled at the College of Sequoias in Visalia, CA, and earned her associate degree while simultaneously working as a substitute teacher. Upon graduation, Barbara took on several professional roles for Kings County, working as an office assistant, court clerk, and secretary. After 26 years of hard work and service, Barbara retired.

Throughout Barbara’s life, there wouldn’t be many a person who could say they hadn’t seen her at least once with her head buried in a mystery novel or reading her favorite verse from the Bible. However, as much as she loved to read a mile a minute in her quiet country home, she remained in close contact with her friends. As a member of the Red Hatters, she always looked forward to their group's luncheons and excursions into town. It goes without saying, Barbara’s friendships were lifelong and treasured.

A loving wife, a caring mother, and a nurturing grandmother. There wasn’t a role that Barbara couldn’t provide for her family. While life would present her with countless trials and obstacles, she never lost her

faith in those she loved. The Wiens family will never forget what she has done for them. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

A graveside service for Barbara will be held Monday, June 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Hanford Cemetery, 10500 S. 10th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230.

A reception will immediately follow at First Baptist Hanford, 9125 13 1/2 Ave, Hanford, CA.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and write condolences at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com for the Wiens family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org or the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org