Barbara E. (Ennis) Pigford
Obituaries
Daily Sentinal page 9C - April 24, 2022
Barbara E.
Pigford
September 20, 1930 - March 29, 2022
Barbara E. Pigford, 91,
passed peacefully March
29, 2022, in Newport
News, Virginia. Barbara
was the daughter of the
late Paul and Marjorie
Ennis, born and raised
in Grand Junction, Colorado. She spent her childhood
summers at the homestead of her grandparents in the
high mountains of Colorado and had many great stories
to tell about her pioneer ancestors.
Barbara graduated from high school with honors,
receiving a scholarship to attend the University of
Northern Colorado. She had decided to follow in her
mother’s footsteps and become a teacher. She and her
family eventually settled in Colorado Springs. After
teaching in the classroom for a few years, she became
a supervisor of new teachers and pursued a Master’s
Degree from Colorado College. Soon after, she was
placed in charge of elementary instruction in School
District 11 in Colorado Springs, where she made
significant contributions. She also mentored educators
and encouraged many women to pursue a career ladder in
educational administration. Late in her career, Barbara
designed and implemented the first public preschool
program in the state of Colorado. She never forgot her
roots in teaching, making her an excellent advocate for
both children and teachers. Her commitment to public
education extended to many state and national groups,
consultantships, and advisory panels.
After retirement, Barbara contributed her time to
Care Castle, an organization that trained seniors to
volunteer in child care centers, and the Colorado Springs
Assistance League, which clothed school-age children,
screened preschoolers for hearing deficiencies, and
provided educational programs focusing on disabilities
and drug abuse. Wherever she went, she connected to
children and encouraged young people to further their
education. Her legacy continues, as her eldest grandson
now represents the fourth generation of educators in the
family. All who knew Barbara will remember her for
how she cared for others and used humor to raise one’s
spirits.
During this period of her life, Barbara followed her
passion for travel and adventure, visiting such places as
England, Scotland, Bali, and China. She also traveled
to Virginia frequently to spend time with her daughter’s
family and back to Grand Junction to be with her mother
and extended family there. Family and faith were her
cornerstones; she lived a life guided by her spiritual
ideals of love, kindness, and generosity.
In 2008, Barbara moved to Newport News, Virginia,
but her heart was always in Colorado. She was preceded
in death by her parents, and sister, Ruth Thayer. She is
survived by daughter, Andrea Alley, and husband, Ray;
son, Curt Pigford, and wife, Dianne; grandchildren,
Paul Hauser; Aaron, Hailey, and Randon Pigford, and
Luke and Mark Alley; great-grandchildren, Henry and
Walker Hauser; her brother, Charles Ennis and wife,
Ann, and numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was a
devoted mom, grandma, and great-grandma.
A private family celebration of life will be held in
Newport News. The family wishes to express gratitude
to the many dedicated and loving staff members of The
Mennowood Retirement Community who helped care
for her during her last years.
In her memory please consider a donation to the local
food bank or a charity that benefits young children in
some other way.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral
Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 2360
