Barbara L. Fontes of Salinas passed away on March 9, 2026. Born on August 28, 1934, to Mabel and Walter Muller, she was a lifelong resident of Salinas.
As a young woman, Barbara helped run the family business, Hanks Drug Stores, on downtown Main Street and in Valley Center. Her lifelong love of travel began with adventures alongside her mother and continued with her second husband, Elwood Fontes. She found special joy in Hawaii, where she created cherished memories with her family.
Barbara took great pride in her many talents. She prepared delicious meals, baked exceptional desserts, sewed her own clothes, knitted sweaters, and tended her beloved orchids with care, always striving for quality and perfection in everything she did. Known for her quick wit, spunk, and strong opinions, she was a self-sufficient and one-of-a-kind woman.
She is survived by her aunt, Rita Muller; her son, Michael (Gaylee) Nuttman; her daughter, Debbie Armendariz (Billy); her grandsons, Kristopher (Rachael) Avilla, Brandon (Ashley) Avilla, Bryan (Quincey) Nuttman, and Mark (Casey) Nuttman; and nine great-grandchildren.
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