Barbara Restow
Barbara Restow, age 93, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026.
She was born to Eleada and Robert Balke. Barbara spent most of her life in Grants, New Mexico, where she built a loving home with her husband, Edger “Ed” Bell, and their son, Stephen (Steve) Bell. After the passing of her husband Ed, she later met Charles Restow. They married and made their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as a “storybook grandma,” and her love for her family was the center of her life. Some of her family’s fondest memories are of Sunday dinners at her home and the holidays she made so special. She was an amazing cook and baker, always bringing people together around her table.
Barbara was an active member of the League of Women Voters and several other women’s clubs. She was also a talented and creative woman who enjoyed painting, china painting, cross stitch, hardanger, and many other crafts. Alongside Ed and Steve, she was involved in the series of books titled “Zuni, The Art and the People.”
She is survived by her husband, Charles Restow; her sister, Donna Mc-Gaughty; her daughter-in-law, Helen Bell; her daughter, Kathy Jones and husband Ron; her son, Ray Restow and wife Kathy; and her beloved grandchildren, Leisha Smith and husband Michael, Kyra Boden and husband Joseph, Darrell Sanchez and wife Sandy, Jackie Sanchez and wife Linda, and Michele Dodds and husband Keith, along with many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edger “Ed” Bell; her parents, Eleada and Robert Balke; her son, Stephen (Steve) Bell; her sister, Sammy Elder; and her granddaughter, Shaunalee Brito.
In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her honor.
Barbara will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends.