Barbara Edith Herbst

Barbara (Block) Herbst, 77, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2019 with her family by her side. Born on April 8, 1941 in Dunkirk, NY to Edith (Washington) and Howard Block, Barbara lived in Dunkirk and Fredonia, NY; Shaker Heights, OH; Miami, FL; and most recently, Missouri City, TX. A 1959 graduate of Dunkirk High School, she carried fond memories of the Marauders marching band with her for the rest of her life. Her life in Dunkirk centered around her family – especially her grandfather, William “Pa” Washington, and her aunt, Grace Washington Winner, the Dunkirk First United Methodist Church, the Order of the Eastern Star, and music. Barbara sang, played piano and clarinet, and took dance lessons when she was a child.

Barbara is survived by her husband Michael Granto, whom she married in 2003 but met in high school long before. Michael often says that he has loved Barbara since 1956, when he attended a party at her family’s home. Barbara is also survived by two daughters, Susan (Herbst) Soto (Pedro) of Missouri City, TX and Sara Herbst, of Indianapolis, IN; and two brothers, William “Bill” Block (Marylyn) of Stroudsburg, PA and Robert “Bob” Block (Barbara) of Dunkirk, NY. Also mourning Barbara's passing is her first husband, Ken Herbst of Milledgeville, GA; Lesley Ochlis of Acton, MA, whom she held close to her heart; and numerous nieces and nephews in New York, Pennsylvania and beyond. Barbara leaves behind countless friends made during a life filled with fun, fellowship and love, including a group of friends who played Mexican Train Dominos with her each week at Plantation at Quail Valley after she and Michael moved to the Houston area.

Early in their marriage, Barbara and Ken moved with Susan to Buenos Aires, Argentina for Ken’s work and the three of them spent a year abroad. Back in Cleveland in the early 70’s, Sara was born, and Barbara managed retail gift shops, was active in the PTA, and sang in the church choir. After moving back to New York State for a time and then reconnecting with Michael, Barbara moved to Miami in the late 90’s and worked in apartment management, retail, and as a bookkeeper/personal assistant. Barbara and Michael adopted Trixie, their beloved toy poodle, while in Miami, and Trixie is now well-known among the residents of Plantation! Barbara took great pleasure in shopping and cooking, and she was firm that no outfit was complete without accessories and a little lipstick. She loved all things ‘sparkly’ and was especially proud of her great niece Gigi Schimpf’s modeling and dancing talents. In recent years, Barbara traveled to Pennsylvania several times during the holidays in order to spend time with family and watch Gigi dance in The Nutcracker.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on April 11, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, with a luncheon to follow. All are welcome.

Barbara’s family extends special thanks to the staff at Houston Hospice, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, and Fresenius Kidney Care Fort Bend for their care of a very strong and very special lady.

Barbara collected flamingos, frogs, bumble bees and lemons; we will remember her lovingly whenever we see the things that remind us of her! Smile when you come across them and her kind heart and spirit will continue to brighten the world.