Leahbeth Hitchcock Barnard

Leahbeth Hitchcock Barnard, 98, of Lone Tree, CO, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, surrounded by family.

 Leahbeth was born on April 8,1926 to Lee and Edna (Howells) Hitchcock in Pueblo, CO, the 4th of seven Hitchcock children. After graduating from Pueblo Central High School in 1942, she went on to earn her bachelor’s in English literature graduating June 15, 1948, from the University of Colorado, Boulder. 

 It was in Boulder that she met Duane L. Barnard, also of Pueblo, and they were married on October 24, 1948. After Duane received his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School they made their home in Granby, CO where Leahbeth taught High School English. During this early time in Granby, Duane and Leahbeth welcomed into the world three boys, Duane, Bob and Chuck.

 After the sudden death of her husband, Leahbeth moved the boys to Boulder so son Duane and Leahbeth could go to school at the University of Colorado. Leahbeth pursued a Master of Arts which she attained in May 1971. She was hired as a guidance counselor at the fledgling Arapahoe Community College, eventually rising to Director of Counseling.

 Leahbeth was passionate about her career but felt she had more to give and decided to pursue a Doctorate and obtained her Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Colorado in June of 1983. Leahbeth retired as a Dean from Arapahoe Community College in 1990.

 In retirement, Leahbeth spent her time traveling around the world, including time in Europe, China, Egypt, and taking the Orient Express. A very sociable person, Leahbeth loved to play golf at South Suburban with the ladies’ club, playing bridge with friends, and she was in several book clubs. After the birth of her grandkids, she was often at school events, plays, games, and parades. She was even invited by a local kindergarten teacher to be the stand in Grandma for a child in her class that did not have a grandmother available for the event.

 Leahbeth was known to always have a smile on her face and never met a person she didn’t have something in common with. She was funny and was loved by all that knew her.

 Leahbeth was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, her parents and all six of her siblings. She was also preceded in death by her son Bob. She is survived by two sons, Duane and Chuck (Laurie), daughter-in-law Angela and her 5 grandchildren, Cosima, Jack and Leah Barnard and Desiree and Kayla Ornellas and many nieces and nephews who all meant the world to Leahbeth.

 Her family would like to thank the caring staff at Rocky Mountain Assisted Living, especially Tatum, Guy and Cindy and the tender care provided by Brighton Hospice, particularly Leah.

 A celebration of life will take place at Horan McConaty on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Centennial location. Reception to follow immediately. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Dr. Leahbeth H. Barnard Endowment Fund.