Barbara Guth
June 10, 1947 - June 22, 2022

Our beloved Barbara Joanne Guth passed away on June 22, 2022 in a tragic car accident in Merced, California. Born on June 10, 1947, Barbara was the daughter of David Aguilar Juarez and Clara Helen Mass at in Los Banos, California. She was the youngest of four siblings. She loved to help at home, created art projects, and was a Girl Scout for many years. While in High School, she was a CSCA president, a member of CSF, editor of the school newspaper, and was involved in GAA, and enjoyed playing tennis. She graduated from Los Banos Union High School in 1965. She attended Los Banos Community College and received certification in Library Sciences. Barbara gave birth to her first-born son, Alejandro, in 1970. A year later, Barbara became employed as a Library Media Technician by Merced College at the Los Banos Campus. In 1973, Barbara had her second child, Clara. She worked hard to raise her two kids. In 1978, she was offered a lateral transfer full-time position as Library Technician at the Merced College Lesher Library and relocated to Merced. Barbara made friends quickly at the Sacred Heart Church and created a simple but good life for her two children. Barbara was a Boy Scout Leader, and many weekends were spent having picnics at the lake with family and friends. In addition, Barbara took second jobs as a part-time waitress on weekend nights at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant or food concessions during Merced College athletic games until working only part-time at Merced County Library. While taking an evening Spanish class in 1987, Barbara met fellow student Heinz Guth. They enjoyed biking, hiking, and skiing. They married on December 28, 1990. Barbara was a devoted Catholic attending Sacred Heart Church and then St. Patrick's Church. She served as the Historian and governing board for Catholic Women and Friends Group and helped with many yearly projects. Barbara eventually retired from Merced College in March 2013 after almost 42 years. She had fond memories of supervising and helping students, creating meaningful displays, and working alongside truly amazing staff under the direction of Dr. Walsh. Barbara would go on to volunteer in her daughter's classroom. On most days, she was busy reading, scrapbooking, thrifting, and making intricite sequin design decorations and ornaments. She loved Christmas and had an upside-down Christmas Tree in her living room with holiday decor all year long. Many afternoons were spent with her granddaughter, Natalie. Most evenings were spent at home watching western movies, listening to music, and watching Jeopardy! Mom always wore her signature scarf or handkerchief with a special pin, and her beautiful jewelry. She was charismatic, smart, beautiful, generous, thankful, and loyal. She was a storyteller and had a great imagination. She always had a smile on her face, was extremely friendly and helpful to everyone, and made gifts and cards for loved ones on almost every holiday! Barbara will always be remembered with a heart of gold that was pure. Barbara is survived by her husband Heinz Guth of 31 years. Barbara is survived by her two children: Alex Meza (Minerva) of Honolulu, Hawaii and Clara Treso of Merced. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Natalie, Vincent, Deanna, Elena, and Celine. Surviving sisters: Beatrice Laguna (Martin) and Virginia Romero.
Rosary and viewing will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 5:30 - 7:00 at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel in Los Banos, CA., Monday, July 11, 2022 a viewing at 9:00am at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel followed by the Funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic church at 10:00. Burial at the Los Banos Cemetery District and reception immediately following at Culture Hall in Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 1826 Center Ave., Los Banos, CA. Services under Whitehurst Funeral Chapel-Los Banos.

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