Barbara Jean Champion, beloved wife, mother of four, grandmother of nine, great grandmother of seven, passed away on 1-27-25.

Barbara was born on August 6, 1933. She was born to William August Trapp Jr. and Helene Trapp of Anaheim California and was the youngest of seven children. Raised in a Christian home, her faith greatly influenced her life and family until she passed.

Barbara attended Lincoln Grammar School and Fremont Jr. High School in Anaheim, Ca. and was valedictorian of her 8th grade class. She graduated from Anaheim Union High School, class of 1951. She focused on business and was Girl’s Athletic secretary (GAA), TriMi-Y Council president, and GAA president her senior year. She received the American Legion Good Citizenship medal and the Bank of America Trophy for Vocational Arts.

She was recruited to work as a secretary, right after graduation from high school, at Rheem Mfg. Company, Aircraft Division, in Downy, Ca. where she met her future husband, William Champion, who was coordinator and chief inspector of the Nike Missle program at Rheem.

She married William Champion on April 3, 1954 and moved to the Sacramento, Ca. area in December 1954, as Bill was accepted at the California Highway Patrol and served for 24 years. They were married for 66 years until Bill’s passing. They had four children, Cathy, Betty, Lynn and Bill Jr. When the children were older, she went to work at Sierra College as a secretary in the Vocational Nursing Dept. for 11 years. She enjoyed it because she learned so much regarding good health and became an avid health enthusiast. She retired from Sierra College in 1984. She was also a gifted poet and wrote special poems for many family members.

She is survived by her four children, Cathy Perales, Betty Castillo, Lynn Ekness, & William Champion Jr. She had 9 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren.

Barbara enjoyed reading, cooking and baking, “working puzzles”, being in nature, animals of all kinds and music. She enjoyed tennis in later years and made some beautiful friendships.

She was very committed to her husband and kids, always active in every event and always there for support. She was very proud of her family, kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

Barbara’s capacity for love showed no limits. She was truly a beautiful soul and will be tremendously missed.

A family memorial service will be held with a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Journey Home in Murphreesboro, TN., lovegodservepeople.org. 

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