Barbara Mae LaPlant, 91 of Chico, California passed peacefully in her home on September 23, 2024.

Barbara was the steadfast heart of her family, radiating strength, boundless optimism, and an unwavering devotion that uplifted all who knew her.

Barbara was born on November 25, 1932 in Corning, California, to Hazel Dietz and Oroville Foreman. In 1935, after Hazel remarried to Fred Pugh, Barbara was adopted by Fred and became the apple of his eye.

Although an only child, Barbara enjoyed the embrace of a close-knit family, with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in Corning and Red Bluff. Family gatherings were among her most cherished memories, filled with holiday celebrations, laughter, games, and delicious meals lovingly prepared by her Grandma Dietz. Favorite pastimes included picnics by the river, trips to the family cabin in Mineral, and ringside seats at the Red Bluff Rodeo, founded by her Grandpa Pugh. Lunches with the Dietz cousins continued throughout her lifetime.

As a child, affectionately known as “Bard”, Barbara lived with her parents in Redding and Chico. She spent joyful afternoons roller-skating up and down the sidewalks of their beautiful home on Chico’s Esplanade and playing with her beloved cat, Moses. She also cultivated a lifelong love of reading and music, playing the piano.

In 1944, the family relocated to Stockton, where Barbara’s father Fred, worked first as a government investigator and later a realtor. Her Mother, Hazel, devoted herself to homemaking. They quickly became active members of the community, proudly joining St. Paul’s Methodist Church as some of its first congregants. Barbara enjoyed a vibrant social life, surrounded by an upbeat circle of friends, and the Pugh household was often filled with classmates, laughter, cheer practices, and plans for events like Sadie Hawkins and Homecoming dances, along with memorable trips to Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Barbara played the clarinet in Stockton High School’s marching band, twirled the baton, and enjoyed a variety of sports, from softball and tennis to golf and skiing. She loved singing, especially church hymns. She loved to dance and even took home a first-place trophy in a Charleston dance competition and later in life, tap danced down Broadway in Chico’s 4th of July parade.

In 1951, Barbara met the love of her life, Lee LaPlant, and they were married at the University of Pacific Morris Chapel on the first day of summer, June 21, 1953. The couple had three children: Ronald Allen (Ron), Debra Lurene (Debbie) and Janice Freda.

Barbara and Lee sadly divorced in 1963, and Barbara’s strength of character and energy of spirit aided her in raising Ron, Debbie and Janice as a single Mother. Barbara remained very close to her in-laws Clarence and Thyra LaPlant and close in heart to Nephew Steve and Nieces Robin and Beth.

Barbara worked diligently to increase her professional skills, working for Stockton State Hospital. She also supported her children’s activities, from Y Indian Guides, Little League, Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire, to dance lessons and was an active member of PTA.

In 1968, Barbara and her family relocated to Chico to be closer to relatives. Her deep Corning roots remained a meaningful part of her life, and the move also allowed them to follow her parents, who had recently settled in Paradise.

As a single mother, Barbara worked tirelessly to make ends meet, facing every challenge with determination and grace. She never complained, surrounding her family with unwavering support and love. One of her greatest gifts to her children was leading by example and quietly instilling in them, ’You can do anything and be anything. Always believe in yourself’.

Barbara began her career with the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, advancing from a clerical supervisor to a personnel analyst. In this role, she traveled and worked across the state, contributing her expertise to numerous communities. Barbara retired in 1992, and was awarded a gold watch, by the State.

Ron, Debbie, and Janice attended Bidwell Junior High and Pleasant Valley High Schools, where Barbara became an enthusiastic supporter. Alongside her dear friend Pat Spear, she spent countless hours in the bleachers cheering on the basketball and football teams, later taking on the role of chaperone, shuttling cheerleading squads to games throughout Northern California.

Years later, Barbara continued her loyal support for the ’home team’ as a Chico Heat season ticket holder, often joined by her granddaughter Carrie and dear friend Norma Jones. She even took Carrie and her other granddaughter, Kristin, on a road trip to Washington to cheer on the team.

In 1972, Barbara reunited with her biological Father, Oroville Forman, and developed a meaningful bond with her half-siblings, Judith Forman Walker and Dennis Forman and family. Her friendship with Judy became a treasured part of her life, sharing holidays and embarking on family trips together.

Barbara’s organizational skills ensured many memorable family vacations. She meticulously planned camping trips to destinations like Mt. Lassen and Lake Tahoe, often shared with their close friends, the Spear’s and Mary Lou Dimas and family.

The LaPlant household, much like Barbara’s childhood home, became a warm gathering place for school friends, where a fresh bowl of popcorn was always ready on the table. Ron, Debbie, and Janice’s friends adored Barbara, and she loved them in return, always making everyone feel truly welcome. Even 50 years later, many of those friends continue to reach out to Barbara with fondness, cherishing the warmth and kindness she shared.

When Ron joined the Air Force in 1973, Barbara’s unwavering support continued as she wrote him weekly letters, keeping him updated with news about family, friends, and life back home. Barbara was equally supportive when Debbie moved to Newport Beach in 1977, and again when she returned to Chico in 1994 to open a store downtown. Barbara helped set up the business and took on the role of bookkeeper, lending her expertise and encouragement.

Barbara was an active member of Delta Eta Iota Sorority, where she served as President and was honored as Sorority Queen in 1974-75. Later, she joined P.E.O. International, a sisterhood dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and inspiring women. Barbara cherished her involvement in these meaningful organizations, finding purpose and connection within their communities.

Barbara’s life was deeply enriched when Janice married Bob Baty, welcoming ’bonus grandsons’ Brian and Scott into the family. Her granddaughters, Carrie and Kristin, were the lights of her life, and she treasured the travel adventures they shared together. From memorable trips along the East Coast and attending the Olympic Games in Georgia, to exploring France, England, and Scotland with Carrie, and embarking on unforgettable journeys through Australia and New Zealand with Kristin, these experiences brought her immense joy.

In 2005, Debbie married Rex Moseley, whom Barbara cherished and deeply appreciated. Once again, her life was enriched by the addition of’ bonus grandsons’ Taylor and Dustin.

After retiring, Barbara embraced her love for adventure, sharing unforgettable trips with family and friends. She enjoyed multiple vacations to New York, Hawaii, and Italy, traveled to Greece with Debbie, and explored Germany, Austria, and Turkey with Janice. Her adventurous spirit led her to sail down the Yangtze River, ride an elephant in India, dance on a table in Greece, toss coins into the Trevi Fountain, and bask in the sunshine of Jamaica and Cozumel. Barbara’s determination and zest for life were epitomized by her climbs to the tops of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, and the Great Wall of China.

Though her greatest loss was the passing of her son, Ron in 2015, Barbara continued to honor his memory, keeping him close in her heart.

Barbara is survived by her Daughters Debbie Moseley and Janice Baty, and sons-In-law Rex and Bob, her granddaughters Carrie Baty and Kristin Wear (Mike), and her great-granddaughters Karsen Colette and Marin Mae, her namesake -she adored both of these very special greats. She is also survived by her sister, Judy and her brother, Dennis. Additionally, her “bonus grands” Brian & Kristie, Scott & Heather, Jordan, Brandon, Brynlee, Twila, Cassidy, Marley, Wyatt and Clarke. And, her beloved cat, Spooky.

Barbara will be interned at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Corning, California alongside her son, Ron and near her parents and many other beloved family members. A Celebration of Life and Dessert Reception is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025 2:00-4:00 pm at the CARD Center, 445 Vallombrosa.

She held her faith near and dear to her, and every day, she expressed her gratitude and love for her family and the life she lived. She was a beautiful soul who touched countless lives, and though she will be deeply missed, she will forever be loved and remembered. With grateful hearts, we reflect on the love, wisdom, and unwavering support she gave us throughout our lives. Her spirit will remain with us always.