Barbara Jacobs Boydston, 69, died April 1st at The Willows Assisted Living facility in Saint Joseph.
Cause of death was early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Barbara, daughter of Esther and Elwood Jacobs, was born in Chicago but grew up in Benton Harbor, where she attended Fairplain Elementary and Benton Harbor High. Following graduation from Michigan State with a degree in interior design, she went to work for Ramada and began a long association with the hospitality industry. An early career opportunity took her to the Bay Area, where she met her husband, electrical engineer Roger Boydston. Together with their son, Craig, the young family loved the great outdoors and explored many of the scenic wonders of the West. The mid-1970s explosion of luxury hotels and casinos in Las Vegas provided fertile ground for Barbara’s career. She fell in love with the city and stayed in Las Vegas for almost 20 years, racking up professional achievements for some of the major hospitality companies in the country. In many cases, longstanding business relationships grew into lifelong friendships. In her spare time, she expressed her creativity and eye for dramatic textures and bold colors by weaving stunning textiles on her huge loom.
Throughout her life, Barbara exuded warmth and positive energy. She maintained an inner core of optimism and grace. You could see it in her dazzling smile; you could hear it in her laugh. She was so proud of Craig and loved him so much. These were essential parts of Barbara, and these traits continued to define her presence even at the end.
Barbara is survived by son Craig Boydston, of Los Angeles, and his wife Thais Castralli, and step-daughter Heather Boydston of Ohio.
Because of restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus epidemic, funeral services will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Posted On: Friday, April 3, 2020 3:15 PM
