Barbara Luellen Zachry

Mom’s Obituary

God asked his “Gutty Little Bruin” to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, July 26, 2026, following a multi-year fight with cancer. Barbara Luellen Zachry was born on March 30, 1950, to her parents Dorothy and Richard Gribble. She was raised in Bakersfield and then Whittier, California, along with her surviving siblings, Judith (“Judy”) and Rev. Richard (“Rick”) E. Gribble, Jr., C.S.C. Daily life in the Gribble household was modest from a material standpoint, but rich in Catholic faith and other values such as the promise that hard work and pursuing education will bring long-term success.

Barbara met her life partner and surviving husband, John B. Zachry, III, while they both attended Lowell High School. Barbara was a song leader for the “Patriots” although she would have much rather played sports (and oh boy did her future children hear about it). She succeeded academically but was nevertheless told by her guidance counselor that she would fail out of U.C.L.A. if she matriculated. Proving doubters wrong and demonstrating what she was capable of were life-long themes.

Attending U.C.L.A. sparked an intellectual flame in Barbara that never went out. Barbara loved telling stories about her pursuit of knowledge, her professors, and dodging protests during these turbulent years. Her father took on a second job and Barbara also worked to pay for her own tuition and expenses. She made life-long friends along the way, graduated magna cum laude, and was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa.

John and Barbara married following her graduation in 1972. In addition to a husband, Barbara gained a new sister, Jan Zachry. John and Barbara started their marital life together in Fullerton while Barbara pursued a Master’s degree in Renaissance art history. Barbara wanted to become a professor, but her life took a different path.

Barbara and John moved to Brea in 1976. They were blessed with children and many great neighbors including some that became family; namely Christina, David and Michael Cortez. Barbara is survived by her three children: Sarah Raskin, David Zachry and Erin Bauchman. Raising three children while John worked in Los Angeles and frequently travelled throughout the world was challenging but Barbara always persevered with grace. All of her kids made it to school, church, C.C.D., sports practices, etc., even if they were a little late on occasion.

Barbara filled her household with love, faith, music, learning and laughter. Almost every evening in the Zachry household included listening to music ranging from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber to James Taylor. Fall Saturdays included watching lots of college football (U.C.L.A. and Notre Dame). Sunday mornings were for worship and family time thereafter. Barbara taught her children they could be whatever they wanted to be, play any sport they wanted to play, and with apologies to her future grandchildren, both John and Barbara would tell you that far more can be learned from the “Wizard of Westwood” than any instructor at Hogwarts. 

Barbara could have remained a homemaker, but with John’s full support, she rejoined the workforce. Barbara obtained more education, grinded on weeknights and weekends, and ultimately became both a M.A.I. designated commercial real estate appraiser, and a well-regarded expert witness in litigation. Barbara was very proud of her numerous professional accomplishments, especially when she withstood cross-examination from attorneys who tried to poke holes in her work product. Shakespeare perfectly described Barbara centuries before: “Though she be but little, she is fierce!”

Barbara loved travelling, and particularly loved visiting Europe so she could see the works of art that captivated her mind and inspired her soul. Barbara could offer a detailed and extemporaneous lecture to anyone including her duly impressed tour guides. Bless his soul, John has visited more European museums, churches, galleries, and historical sites than he could have ever imagined.

Barbara is also survived by her loving sons and daughter-in-law: Nate, Jen and Robert. She was further blessed with six grandchildren – Raegan, Ella, Connor, Liam, Robert and Claire. A sign in Barbara’s kitchen says: “If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first.” This sign says it all. “Nana” loved spending quality time with her grandkids, helped raise each of them, and loved them dearly.

John and Barbara moved to Poway in 2012. Barbara wanted to be near her grandkids as much as possible, and John knew what had to be done. Barbara was so grateful for the opportunity to make new friends in Poway and through St. Gabriel’s Church.

Barbara does not want anyone to wear black at her funeral. She wants her life celebrated and in that vein, she asks everyone to remember the best expression this and every football season: “Beat S.C.!”