EULOGY GIVEN AT GRAVESIDE SERVICE:Good Morning. Today, as we gather to remember and celebrate the life of Barbara Ielene Brooks, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, I'm reminded of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:24-27 about the wise and foolish builders:

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

This passage beautifully reflects how Barbara lived her life.

Born on July 13, 1940, in Lemoore, CA, Barbara grew up attending Lemoore Grammar and High School. Her early days were filled with cherished family trips with her beloved sister and parents. On February 28, 1958, she married the love of her life, Quinton Brooks, at Lemoore Assembly of God Church. Their love story was one of deep devotion, with Barbara adoring Quinton from the moment she first saw him, cherishing him every day of their life together. Barbara built her foundation on faith, love, and dedication to family.

Mother Teresa once said, "We can't all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Barbara embodied this wisdom, infusing even the smallest acts with profound love. As a devoted mother to her four sons - Mike, David, Paul, and Mark - Barbara's love was boundless and unwavering. She was known for her fierce dedication to her family and wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty working out on the farm.

Her remarkable ability to make everyone feel like they were her own led many friends and neighbors to lovingly refer to her as "Mom." Barbara's legacy lives on through the traditions she started. From Easter and Thanksgiving gatherings to her famous enchiladas, pecan pies and coconut cream pies…. And of course a freezer full of Superior Dairy ice cream - her home was always filled with warmth, food, and laughter.

Her passion for quilting and sewing was a cornerstone of her life, teaching others and crafting beautiful quilts for her family. She also enjoyed painting barns and country landscapes, which adorned her home, reflecting her creative spirit. God's call to service isn't always easy, and Barbara answered it with grace.

She served not only people but also the family farm. In just five years, she had three children close together. She'd buckle them up in the Jeep and work alongside the men on the farm – baling hay, raking, changing water, or checking irrigation. For years, she tended the land, showing her children that their mom could love hard and work hard too.

Barbara's work extended beyond the home. In her later years, she worked at a daycare for her church, where she lovingly cared for babies. She was active in her community, including membership in the Civic Club, and her hospitality was legendary—feeding everyone who came into her camp during trips to Pismo Beach.

Her son Paul recalls a time when she stepped in to help one of the farm's employees who had a mix-up with his Social Security status. She took an entire day off to accompany him to the Social Security office, ensuring his situation was resolved.

A small thing with great love.

We might ask ourselves, "What is God calling us to do?" Barbara knew her calling: small things with great love. God may not call all of us to cure cancer or heroically save lives from a burning building. But looking back at Barbara's life, we realize that God's calling isn't out of reach. It wasn't for her. God calls us to be humble and faithful servants in our everyday lives, touching those around us. Barbara's service to others exemplifies exactly what the Lord asks of all of us.

Now, I hesitate to turn this remembrance somber, but the Lord did test Barbara – by blessing her with four handsome, albeit occasionally mischievous, boys. She loved her sons fiercely. In her final days, some of her final words to family were, "Tell the boys I love them."

I cherish the story of when two men stole the boys' goat, Sampson, from their yard. Barbara, ever the protector, chased them down in her car until they pulled over. When the men denied stealing Sampson, Barbara simply called out, "SAMPSON!" The goat poked his head out of their car – case closed. Sampson was coming home. Like the faithful servant she was, Barbara protected her flock.

Barbara's faith in Jesus Christ was the guiding light of her life. She made sure her children and grandchildren knew who Jesus was and the importance of faith. She knew the importance of a solid foundation for her family to be built upon. Her kind heart, infectious smile, and gentle wisdom left a profound impact on all who knew her. She was a woman of strength, grace, and quiet resolve, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Barbara passed away peacefully on September 14th, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her four sons and their partners: Mike and Diane Brooks, David and Carla Brooks, Paul and Karen Brooks, and Mark Brooks and Gonzalo Arias. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Nicole, Travis, Holly, Karli, Whitney, and Aimee, as well as her great-grandchildren: Austin, Nick, Chloe, Jonathan, Christian, Harper, Remi, Reese, and Lennon.

As we bid farewell to Barbara, let's carry forward her legacy of doing small things with great love. May we find our own ways to serve others, build on solid foundations that God has laid out for us, and spread joy as she did throughout her remarkable life. Grandma Barbara's legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

I love you Grandma.