Barbara Ann Villarrial

Barbara Ann Villarrial, 81, of Visalia, CA went to sleep and walked through the gates of heaven on January 11, 2025. Barbara was born to the late Virginia Andrade and Frank Andrade on April 15, 1943, in Woodlake, CA. Barbara grew up with her two sisters in Elderwood, CA., where they attended Woodlake High School. During her childhood, she embraced country life at their Elderwood ranch. There on that beautiful piece of land, one could find Barbara playing hopscotch, riding bikes, and milking the family cow. From an early age and all through Barbara's life, she worked hard to provide for her family. Always leading with a strong moral compass and exceptional work ethic, Barbara held many titles in her career journey. She worked for the North Side Community Center providing lunch and delivering food to nearby daycares and taught Catechism at Holy Family Church. In the late 70's, Barbara worked as an interpreter for the youth at the Tulare County Juvenile Hall. During this time, Barbara attended College of the Sequoias to pursue a career in elementary education, but on the heels of graduation an elective course that centered on youth services and juvenile corrections proved lifechanging. In fact, as part of her curriculum Barbara interned at the Juvenile Hall and on that first shift when the doors behind her automatically locked, she found her purpose. Barbara would later say, "that's when I knew." With the courage to change course and follow her instincts, Barbara met the grueling demands necessary and embraced her role as a Probation Correctional Officer working for Tulare County Corrections and welcomed her new title of Officer Villarrial for the next 25 years. When asked how she did it, with humility and curiosity she oftentimes would say, she had no clue how she climbed that wall or jumped so high. However, family and friends have always known Barbara's' resilience and determination, her value of fairness and resounding wisdom will echo through time and in the hearts of all those who knew her. A resounding love for her children, grandchildren, family and extended family and the youth she dedicated her life to, Barbara was and always will be, a mother for so many. Upon retirement, Barbara spent the remainder of her years traveling and enjoying life with her family. An adventurer at heart, Barbara traveled to many places throughout America with her family and of course, her sisters and cousin sister lovingly referred to as, "My Deary's." Barbara was a lady of luck and enjoyed hearing the "Cha Ching," of a hot slot machine indeed! Barbara is the sister of Lila Acosta and the late Carmen Drake, both of Visalia. She is survived by her children: Teresa Marie Villarrial, Vivian Thoor, Crystal Marquez, Felipe Marquez, Deserie Fernandez, and Christopher Villarrial. She is also survived by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 at Woodlake Public Cemetery, 165 N Cypress St, Woodlake. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Barbara Ann Villarrial

April 15, 1943 - January 11, 2025