Barbara T. Kreis

Barbara T. Kreis, age 82, entered her eternal rest on January 21, 2024. Barbara is survived by her husband, Haden (who goes by the nickname Buz); twin daughters, Dana Tagalicod (Bill) and Denise Groseclose (Win); two grandchildren, Paul and Chloe Groseclose; her brother, Robert Douglas Timmons (Diane); two nephews, Steven Clark and James Clark; two nieces, Jennifer Parker–Bey (Mary) and Laura Timmons; and other extended family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lunonia Timmons; her sister, Patricia Clark; her great–niece, Kelle Clark; and her stillborn son, Wade Daniel. Barbara was born on July 18, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. Barbara was the middle child and she was so well–behaved that her family affectionately called her Saint Barbara. Barbara was a proud graduate of Eastern High School in 1959, where she made lifelong friends and enjoyed every class reunion for the subsequent 45 years. Barbara’s first job was working for the Baltimore Life Insurance Company where she went on to become the secretary for one of the first female vice presidents of the company. When Barbara met Buz through mutual friends, she remarked that Buz would make a good husband for someone someday. Little did she know that Buz already had his sights set on her as his someone, and their someday came on a Friday evening at a candlelight service in Baltimore on January 25, 1963. After almost 61 years of marriage, their love stood the test of time, and their faithfulness to each other enabled them to weather numerous challenges, including several miscarriages, the surprise birth of twin girls (the doctors somehow never detected two babies until they were delivered), Barbara’s breast cancer, and Buz’s Alzheimer’s disease. Growing up in Baltimore City, Barbara often dreamed of living in the country and her dream came true when Buz and Barbara built their house in Jarrettsville, Maryland. Like everything else she cared about in her life, she lavished her love on her beloved home for almost 50 years; she handmade custom draperies for the large front windows, and she planted vast flower gardens that were stunning in full bloom. Barbara was a devoted and selfless mother who loved her daughters with all of her heart. Her loving and kind spirit influenced them throughout their lives and made them who they are today. Barbara was a fun grandmother who adored her grandson and granddaughter and spent as much time with them as she could. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her friends and her family, whether it was hosting big family gatherings or going on frequent summer trips to Ocean City, Maryland. Barbara and Buz were active members of the AARP Madonna Chapter and enjoyed numerous day and overnight trips with their friends in the group. Barbara lived a life of service to others; she happily lived frugally while working at home to raise her children; she faithfully cared for her elderly parents until their deaths; for over 10 years, she visited weekly with a church friend who had Alzheimer’s disease; she lovingly cared for Buz for many years as his Alzheimer’s disease progressed; and she made the ultimate sacrifice to leave her beloved home in Jarrettsville to enter a continuing care retirement community in Pennsylvania near her daughter, Denise, so that Buz could receive long–term memory care when needed. In addition, she served in numerous capacities as a member of Jarrettsville United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, including serving on numerous church committees, working as the church secretary for 13 years, and volunteering as the church treasurer for many years. While Barbara’s family and friends deeply mourn her loss, they are comforted that she is finally at home with her Lord and is experiencing eternal peace and joy in Heaven. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10 A.M. through 12 P.M., immediately followed by a funeral service at Haight Funeral Home and Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784. A private interment for the family will be held at Lake View Memorial Park in Sykesville, MD. Expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.haightfuneralhome.com, or www.boylanfuneralservices.com.