Barbara Faye Rose Austin-Neve

With a heart full of love and appreciation for all those who gave her support, respect and love over the many challenging years of her cancer diagnoses, Barbara Faye Rose Austin Neve passed away on July 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. This beautiful courageous lady, beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend will be remembered for her kind soul, for her good will toward all, for thinking of others before self, and for her ability to find humor in the most serious of situations. She was born in her father’s hometown of Waynoka, Oklahoma on April 11, 1928, but from the age of 2 lived her growing to adult years in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Community College, she was first employed by Bullocks Department Store, downtown Los Angeles as a trainer of employees on business machines. She married her much loved husband, Jerry Neve on April 4, 1948. They moved with their first of four children to the Santa Cruz area, and Barbara worked at various part time jobs while raising their family of four. As the children grew more independent, she went back to school and graduated from Cabrillo College of Nursing in Aptos and pursued nursing a Dominican Oaks Hospital in Santa Cruz. Though she loved her nursing career, it was necessary that she resign to become a full time caregiver for husband Jerry who had serious diabetic difficulties. After his death she married a former beau, Sam Austin and moved to his home in Caryville, Florida. There she worked through the courts as an advocate for foster children and also ministered at the Women’s Jail, giving hope to clients for a more wholesome life. Her leisure times were spent bowling and “tripping” in their fifth wheel trailer. After Sam’s death, Barbara moved to Grants Pass, Oregon to be closer to her children. Here in her last years, her most passionate and dedicated activity was to the Grants Pass “Can Survive Cancer Group” and to the “Relay for Life” that sponsors donations for cancer research and support for cancer patients and their families. The Group’s weekly meetings with their much needed information, education and wonderful positive philosophy lifted her spirits and gave her the will to enjoy each new day.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved parents Basil & Jessie Rose of Hemet, California. She is survived by her only sibling, Jean Rose Sanchez of Big Bear Lake, California and by her children Jeanne MacNeur of Grants Pass, Oregon, Earl Neve of Arcadia, California, Marie Smithson of Grants Pass, Oregon and Robert Neve of Felton, California. Also, surviving are stepchildren, Jane Lively of Chipley, Florida, Sharon Thro of Panama City, Florida and Sandy Stritz of Ohio. Barbara also leaves 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Barbara will be buried with her first husband, Jerry Neve in Santa Cruz, California.

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Hospice in Grants Pass, Cabrillo College of Nursing, Educational Fund or to the Cancer Society.

A celebration of Barbara’s life is being planned for Saturday, July 23, 2011. For further information please call, 541-956-5824