BARBARA BARRETT BUCHHOLZ

Babara Ann Barrett Buchholtz of Riverside, California, passed away on June 12, 2025, due to complications related to cardiovascular disease at Riverside Community Hospital. Barbara would have been seventy-six this year. Barbara’s soul is surrounded by her beloved husband Jim, her family, friends and loved ones on her journey.
Born on December 21, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, dog mom, friend, and wife to Jim, the love of her life for 47 years. Barbara touched the lives of many with her profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, strength, gregarious laugh, and kind nature. She was a generous and loyal friend that possessed an uncanny ability to connect with anyone. Those that met Barb are left with long lasting fond memories. 
Barbara had a rare gift and ability to visualize and create things artistically. She pursued a career in retail focused on Visual Merchandising. She held leadership roles dedicating over 40 years to her career. During those years she held several positions in multiple stores for The Broadway Department Stores and Macy’s. She was a mentor to many, training, teaching, and coaching them to success. Barbara built trust and created a sense of family with her work teams. She helped mold the leaders of the company for years to come.  Showing by example that a strong leader can have empathy and always put their people first. She shared her knowledge freely and was admired and respected by many. Those fortunate and blessed to work with Barbara knew her talent and creativity were endless. Her legacy left a significant positive impact on the company when she retired at the age of sixty-two.
Barbara had a passion for gardening, spending many weekends and hours creating beautiful landscapes and gardens at her home she shared with Jim. Her knack for decorating was evident in the love she poured into their home. If you knew Barbara, she always had a dog or two at her side.  Over the years she rescued dogs in need of caring and loving homes, fostering them, or keeping them for herself. She enjoyed her daily routine of going to the dog park and meeting with other dog enthusiasts. She and Jim shared a great love for their dogs over the years as they were a significant part of their lives. She enjoyed traveling and going to casinos with her sister Lynn and was always thrilled to come home with more cash in her wallet than what she came with. When Barbara was not spending time with friends playing cards, she shared quiet moments with Jim together, watching a game on TV or an old movie.
Barbara is survived by her husband Leo James (Jim) Buchholtz, her sister and brother-in-law Lynn & Dan Primeaux and their children. Her brother and sister-in-law Steven & Cindy Harris and their children, all who will forever cherish her memory.
Barbara was predeceased by her mother and father Margaret & John Harris and her many beloved pets.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests an on-line donation be made to Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Foundation, Riverside CA in honor of her love for animals. 

Arrangement entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California

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