Vesta Mae Barrowdale passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023, at the age of 70 with her family by her side.
Vesta was born on April 6, 1953 in Miami, Arizona. She was the oldest of 6 children born to her parents, Betty and Bob Huggins. Vesta grew up in Miami, Arizona and attended Miami High School.
Vesta married the love of her life and soulmate, Reginald John Barrowdale, in June 1981. They built an amazing life together, each owning their own businesses, raising their beautiful children and taking an active role in the lives of their grandchildren.
Vesta spent her early career working in the Morenci and Miami mines. She was one of the few women to work in the tank house and smelter. In later years she became a prominent member of the community when she founded Mid-State Childcare and Nutrition, a non-profit to help provide meals for children. She was the director of Mid-State from 1990 until the time of her retirement in 2006.
Upon retirement she traveled the country and the world with her husband and family, volunteered for local non-profits, and excelled at being a professional grandparent and great-grandparent. Her hobbies included scrapbooking, quilting, sewing, crafting and camping. She was a stellar hostess and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for her family, and she showed her love to her babies and grandbabies through her comfort food. Her Christmas parties were legendary, and she spent her whole year planning gifts and festivities to make Christmas and holidays special for her family.
She had a quick wit, infectious sense of humor and lust for life. She brought joy and laughter to those around her. She had a warm and inviting home where everyone was loved and welcomed. She was generous and cared deeply for those in need. She was a fierce advocate for her children and grandchildren, and always worked to improve the lives of those around her and help where she could.
Vesta is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Reginald John Barrowdale; children Jhawn (Deanna) Barrowdale, ValMarie Caporicci and Kristi Hunt; grandchildren Daniel Van Pelt, Vesta (Rene) Insam, Tamra (Dustin) Wilson, Lisa (Ryan Milling) Caporicci, Gina (Caleb Klein) Caporicci, Shelby (Jacqueline) Barrowdale, Brittany (Charles) Porter and Shawn (Emily) Barrowdale; 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings Jim Huggins, Ray (Ruthie) Huggins, Rebecca Hartwell, Josh (Lisa) Huggins and Leonard Strom; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by sons Leonard Dewayne, Shawn and Johnny Barrowdale; daughter Christy Barrowdale; grandson Christian Barrowdale; son-in-law Louis Caporicci; parents Betty and Bob Huggins; and sister-in-law Shirley Strom.
Vesta will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Services will be held privately with immediate family.
Assisting the family; Lamont Mortuary of Globe.
