Mary Louisa Barber

Louisa Barber, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on June 17, 2023. She was 95. Louisa was born in Nebraska on September 1, 1927 and raised in Westwood, California. After graduating from Westwood High School, Louisa moved to Susanville where she first worked as a telephone operator then as a teller at Best Western Bank. In 1957 she moved to Red Bluff to be with her family and started what would be a 34-year career with Bank of America.

It was during an evening car ride with her sister in Red Bluff that the two noticed a young gas station attendant, Ray, who would become the love of her life. They married in 1959, the same year he began teaching at Lassen View Elementary School. In retelling the story of how they met, Louisa would say that “he was so handsome, he looked just like Paul Newman.” They had celebrated 53 years of marriage when Ray passed away in 2012.

Louisa retired as a senior loan officer from Bank of America in 1991 only to return to banking in 1993 with Tehama County Bank. She was a long-time member of Soroptimist International and of the Sacred Heart Catholic Ladies Guild where she continued to build lasting relationships with those around her while helping those in our community.

Louisa was an amazing cook, especially the traditional Mexican food she learned to prepare from her own mother. She will always be remembered for her compassion in helping those less fortunate.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister – taking care of her family was always her priority. She is survived by her son, Ray (Valerie) Barber of Chico, sister, Grace LeBaudour of Red Bluff, and brother, Ralph (Barbara) Ramirez of Petaluma. She was preceded in death by her parents, Epigmenio and Jesus Ramirez, brother, Joe Ramirez and sister, Mary Alice George. Louisa’s two grandchildren, Braden and Bailey, will miss their Nani very much.

A Vigil will be held at 7pm on Friday, June 30 at Hoyt-Cole, Chapel of the Flowers in Red Bluff. A Funeral Mass is scheduled at 12pm on Saturday, July 1 at Sacred Heart Church in Red Bluff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Elementary School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapeloftheflowers.net for the Barber family.