Barbara Weatherholt Frutchey

October 18, 1929 - December 23, 2020 Resident of Saratoga

Barbara Weatherholt Frutchey, 91, died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA, on December 23, 2020 after a short illness. She was born October 18, 1929 to Keith and Crete Blanchard in Decatur, Illinois. Her early summers were spent on her grandfather’s Illinois farm where she developed a love of horses. After skipping an elementary school grade, Barbara attended the University of Illinois at just 16 where she cherished her Pi Beta Phi Sorority experience. She graduated with an English degree and began an elementary school teaching career in Illinois.

One summer while attending continuing education classes at the University of Hawaii, she met on Waikiki Beach Howard Weatherholt, a young dentist from San Jose, CA. It was love at first sight. Marriage brought her to Saratoga, CA where she would have two children and spend the rest of her life.

Barbara dedicated herself to family and volunteerism holding leadership positions in many organizations including the Dental Auxiliary, Eastfield League, Saratoga Foothill Club, Girl Scouts of America and PEO. Her deep faith was enriched at Saratoga Federated Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She loved golf and the friendships that accompanied her membership at La Rinconada Country Club.

Barbara tragically lost Howard to cancer in 1982. Five years later she was blessed to meet another amazing man, Jim Frutchey. This second marriage lasted 21 years until Jim’s passing in 2009. Barbara spent her later years enjoying family, church and a wonderful lifestyle at the Saratoga Retirement Community.

We will miss her endless optimism, continuous smile, energy and love of life. These characteristics defined her life and made her a role model and mentor to many.

Barbara is survived by daughter Ann Weismann and her husband Burke, son Dr. Carey Weatherholt and his wife Kellie, step-son James Frutchey Jr., and his wife Pam, Grandchildren Jessica Tharp and her husband Donnie, Maddie Weismann, Austin Weatherholt, Jalene Weatherholt, Step-Grandchildren James Frutchey, lll, and his wife Sarah, Jennifer Muehlhausen and her husband Jens, Robert Frutchey and six step great grandchildren.

A service will be planned on or near her birthday in October 2021, when we can gather safely to celebrate her amazing life. Those wishing to honor Barbara can donate in her memory to the Saratoga Foothill Club, P.O. Box 2233, Saratoga, CA 95070, saratogafoothillclub.org.