Barbara Morrow, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Reno, Nevada, surrounded by her family. Born on March 7, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Edna Betty and John L. Tieben, Barbara spent her early years in Los Angeles, California, before her family settled in Chatsworth. She graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1953, where she was an active member of the Girls Athletic Association and the Drill Team. After high school, Barbara worked at Lockheed Aircraft delivering engineering documents on roller skates—a job that reflected her energy and adaptability. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the beach with friends and playing golf with her father. In 1959, Barbara married Charles J. Morrow in Canoga Park, California. Their marriage spanned 52 years until Charlie’s passing in 2015. Together they embarked on a life full of adventure and change, moving frequently as Charlie built speculative houses. Barbara meticulously documented all 28 moves they= made across California and Nevada—from Carson City to Dayton and finally Reno—often joking about never having the chance to enjoy a mature tree in her gardens.
In 1961, Barbara and Charlie made their first major move to Carson City, Nevada, with their two young children. There they ran Garden Spot Nursery on Minnesota Street and, Action-Hydro Crane Service. Barbara quickly developed a “green thumb,” learning about plant species and reviving plants that others had given up on. Her love of gardening became a lifelong passion. Nine years later, with two more children added to their family, Barbara and Charlie moved to a 40-acre alfalfa farm in Dayton, Nevada. Embracing rural life with determination and enthusiasm, Barbara learned animal husbandry and agriculture while raising sheep, pigs, chickens, and other livestock. She became a regular at the Cooperative Extension Agency and served as a 4-H leader for her children and the Dayton Valley community.
Barbara and Charlie returned to Carson City to support their youngest daughter’s basketball pursuits at Carson High School. Eventually, Barbara began working during the bi annual legislative sessions in Carson City before taking a position at the State of Nevada Employment Security Department. She also rekindled her love of golf by joining a ladies’ group and continued to enjoy knitting and sewing projects throughout her life. Barbara’s adventurous spirit extended beyond her home as she traveled across the United States and Europe with family and friends. She lived a full life marked by resilience, joy, challenges, and triumphs. As a mother, she was steadfast in supporting and inspiring her children. Her legacy is one of strength and fearlessness—a testament to the life she built with love and dedication.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Jack Tieben; and her beloved husband of 52 years, Charles J. Morrow. She is survived by her brothers Richard Tieben and Marc Tieben; her sister Betty Ratner; her children Elizabeth Watson (Andrew), John Morrow (Karen), Charles Morrow, Retired General Barbara Morrow (Russell); grandchildren John Shorrock, Amanda Morrow, Angela Chapman, Patrick Morrow, Edward Morrow; great-grandchildren Aiden Chapman, Olivia Chapman, Hunter Chapman, Effie Shorrock; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the lives she touched— her family’s enduring love for her is a reflection of the remarkable woman she was.