Barbara Ellen De Leon, 70, fell asleep in Christ on January 12, 2024, in Webster, Texas. She was born on September 20, 1953, in Canton, Ohio, to Thomas Carroll Whipple, Jr., and Katherine Margaret (Lapitosky) Whipple. Barbara is survived by her husband, David E. De Leon; daughter, Dehlia K. De Leon; brothers, Thomas Whipple III and his wife, Tina, and Steven Whipple; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters, Patricia (Whipple) Devore and Margaret (Whipple) Knapp.

Barbara earned a BA in Psychology from Kent State University, then worked at a halfway house helping residents recover from their hardships. At age 23, she was very politically involved and became an office manager at the Stark County Democratic headquarters in Canton, Ohio. She was invited to and attended President Jimmy Carter’s inaugural ball. She later moved to Texas and worked for the state in getting people into the state social welfare programs, doing numerous home visits. After her daughter, Dehlia, was born, she became a stay-at-home mom.

David, Barbara, and Dehlia joined Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, which became the foundational part of their lives. She was very involved in her daughter’s extracurricular activities. She later became a part-time pharmacy technician until her retirement. Barb then volunteered at the Friends for Life animal shelter and also fostered dogs. Barbara will forever be remembered for her compassion, sweet nature, and love for her Lord and family.