Barbara Bell Lyman

Barbara Bell Lyman was born Barbara Southworth in San Diego on May 10th, 1931.  Known to family and friends as Bobbie, and to one particular friend Barbara, Mom, Nana, Grandma, Aunt, sister and Gram. She was the oldest of 7 siblings, Bud, Evelyn, Jack, Butch and Eva.  She was thought of more as a mom than an older sister since their mom passed away at a young age. They all looked up to her, respected her and loved her dearly.

She grew up in a rural area of Carlsbad. She saw a young man plowing a field on a tractor and said, "I'm going to marry that man", my Dad, Willard Lyman.  They eloped in 1949. 

They lived on the Cal Poly campus in a tiny trailer while Bill finished college with their first born Dennis, 4 years later came Cynthia and 4 years after that came Debi. They all lived very happily in Midway City for many years.  They took many trips in their motorhome visiting family. One of the most important trips in the motorhome was when she helped Debi deliver her first baby, Eric while Bill drove as fast as he could.  He was delivered enroute. She did an amazing job.

She would fly to Cyndi's in Northern CA to help with each new baby and later a great grand baby.  It became a yearly tradition to head up North each year to see all the babies as they grew up.  They all treasured those visits.

Bobbie is survived by 7 grandchildren and 10 great grands as she called them. She lost the love of her life, Bill way too soon in 1985. She grew to be an independent woman that took care of herself and any family member in need.

One of the highlights of her golden years was going on many trips with her sisters.  They loved to laugh and play games and laugh some more.

Another love of her life was bowling.  She bowled throughout her life and was even on 2 leagues simultaneously in her late 80s.  We celebrated her 93rd birthday at the bowling alley.

She was so proud of being in excellent health the majority of her life, so blessed.  She passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on May 31, 2025 in her home, surrounded by her loving son and both daughters.

She was a loving generous woman deeply loved by all of her family and friends and will be missed always and all ways.

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