Barbara Jean Harnden (83) of Modesto, CA passed away February 7, 2015 at Bethany Home in Ripon, CA.  Born
Barbara Jean Carlson on February  4, 1932 in Eugene, OR to William Elmer Carlson and Geraldine (Jean) Marie Criss (nee Corder), “Bobbi” enjoyed reading and climbing trees in St. Helens and Garden Home, OR where she lived with her father and stepmother, Evelyn Carlson.  In 1941 she moved to Stockton, CA. Her mother remarried and Barbara took the last name of Bennett.  Most recently a resident of Modesto, Barbara was a Manteca resident for 45 years.
Throughout her life she worked for Bank of Stockton, San Joaquin First Federal, Brown and Mahon and Valley Community Counseling Center. She was most proud of her work with families challenged with abusive relationships and working with children on effective communication and behaviors. Known as “the puppet lady” she performed Magic Circles at valley schools using puppets to demonstrate how children can deal with difficult situations.
Barbara attended Stockton College, received certification in Human Services and an AA from Delta College and was accepted with honors into Stanislaus State University where she majored in Social Science.
   Advocating for children, women and the less fortunate was her passion. She volunteered for March of Dimes, Mary Graham Hall and Stanislaus Women’s Center.  A member of the First Brethren Church since the 1940’s, it was here she made lifelong friends, and met and married the love of her life on September 30, 1951.
   Barbara Harnden is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald Harnden; daughters; and sons-in-law Lynn and Willie (Chuck) McClain, Allison Harnden and Christopher Hoffman and Leslie and Greg Walker; grandchildren Teddy, Chelsea, Gary,  Brian, Ian and Madilyn; and great-grandchildren Taylor, Keeana, Aayden, Adrian , Teddy Jr, Macy and Jaelyn. 
   She is also survived by siblings; Beverly Dearman, Diane Weber, Jeannie Wehage and Bill Carlson.
    A Celebration of Life will be held February 28, 2015 11:00 a.m. at the Northgate Community Church, 650 Northgate Drive in Manteca, CA.  In lieu of flowers, Barbara wished donations be directed to: St. Mary’s Dining Hall – in memory of Barbara Harnden – 545 W.  Sonora Street Stockton, CA 95203.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, February 21, 2015