Barbara M. Navarro

Barbara Maria Navarro passed away peacefully after a long and brave battle with cancer on June 4, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by Gary Blake, her loving husband of 47 years. She is also survived by her sisters Janet Navarro (Todd Noble) and Janice Navarro, sister-in-law Denise Lentz (Carl), brother-in-law Richard Blake, and her aunt, Gloria Sanchez. She also leaves her nieces Jade Noble, Denise Michels, Tricia Churchwell, nephews Ethan and Gabriel Travis, Justin and Morgan Lentz, David and Kahn Navarro and her longtime friend, Mary Peralta. She is preceded in death by her father, David Navarro, mother and stepfather, Grace and John Pirman, mother-in-law Erma Blake, father-in-law Herman Blake, brother David Navarro and niece Sarah Navarro Noble.

Barbara was born in Phoenix, AZ on December 15, 1952 and was a lifelong resident of the Phoenix area. After she retired from the Phoenix Public Library in 2017, she spent her free time enjoying her many interests which included art, reading, and thrifting at vintage stores. She enjoyed taking photographs during her long walks in her neighborhood and posting them on Instagram and Facebook. Barbara's artistic abilities were evident in her home, her photography and the cards and invitations she created for every holiday. She was an exceptional hostess, and together with her husband Gary, they created a home that all of her friends and family enjoyed visiting. She loved to entertain, and their annual New Year's Day parties were always looked forward to and well attended.

Barbara fought hard to survive her cancer battle and although we are grateful she is no longer in pain, her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and she will be deeply missed. A celebration of her life with family and friends is planned. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley.