Barbara Dunaway
Barbara Ellen Dunaway, 78, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away on June 3, 2023. Barbara was born on June 14, 1944, in Bremerton, Washington, to Grant Maitland Call and Mary Catherine Judd Call.
Barbara grew up in Tonasket, Washington, where she cherished her small-town upbringing and the freedom to explore the outdoors. She delighted in picking wild buttercups and bluebells in spring, swimming during the summer, and snow sledding in winter. Known for her quiet, calm, and easygoing nature, Barbara approached life with a ready smile and good-natured wit, always eager to burst out into joy and laughter. Barbara’s elegance was evident, yet never pretentious.
Barbara’s career was dedicated to education. She served as an Elementary School Teacher and later became the Math Lab Director at Santa Barbara City College. Her former colleagues in the math department at SBCC praised her efforts, and her students eagerly sought her guidance and tutoring. Barbara’s passion for teaching and nurturing young minds was evident to all who knew her.
In her free time, Barbara found solace in her hobbies. She loved gardening, cooking, reading poetry, and solving puzzles. She also had a genuine desire to help others and made a positive difference in the lives of those around her.
Barbara is survived by her children, Leslie Gehring and her husband David, Scott Dunaway and his wife Anne-Marie, Susan Goetz and her husband Marc; her six grandchildren including Joshua, Elizabeth, Lucienne, William, Grant and Ellen; and her siblings, Cathy Hainer, Tom Call, and Jim Call. Barbara’s companion, Fred Gamble, and her ex-spouse, Clay Dunaway, also mourn her loss.
Barbara found comfort and a sense of belonging at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Goleta. She joined the congregation during its formative years in the late 1980’s and played an instrumental role in its transition from being a tenant to finding a permanent home. Barbara served in various capacities for many years, her faith and involvement in the church community were an integral part of her life.
A memorial circle gathering will be held on August 20, 2023, at 11:30am at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, located at 820 N. Fairview Ave. Goleta. In memory of Barbara, contributions can be made to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Barbara will be deeply missed by her loved ones, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. May her kind and gentle spirit continue to inspire us all.