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 with his wife Tina, 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 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, including volunteering at Dehlia’s school library. 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.

Barbara’s family will receive guests on Wednesday, January 17 from 6-8 pm at Crowder Funeral Home- Webster, TX. The Funeral Service will be held on January 18 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX 77058. Additional visitation precedes the funeral at 9:30am, and the service starts at 10:30 am. There will be a light reception immediately following the service. Graveside internment for family members will be January 19 at 10:00 am at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Frwy, Webster, TX 77598. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation in Barbara’s memory may do so to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.