Barbara H Crabtree
Born on December 31, 1939 in Pine Bluff, ArkansasPassed January 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
Barbara H Crabtree 85 of Melbourne Florida died January 30, 2025 at the YourLife Memory Care Facility in West Melbourne. She was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on December 31, 1939 to Mattie Tamzie and John Hubert Heaton. She went on to earn a B.S in Home Economics at the University of Arkansas and later a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. She began her teaching carrier at Pinecrest a small school in Hillsborough County, Florida. After one year she moved to Melbourne Florida and taught at Central Junior High for the remainder of her career. Barbara was devoted to her students and believed, even in the modern world, the art of home making would be a valuable asset, whatever path one might choose, be it a homemaker or a professional career.
Barbara was a loving mother, grandmother and wife. Barbara loved to travel both abroad and in-country, she especially loved touring with her husband on their Goldwing Motorcycle:
she loved snow skiing with her family, crafts of all kinds, clothes, the more the merrier and dancing. In addition to her family, she had a special place in her heart for her dogs, she loved her Schnauzers!
Mrs. Crabtree was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Tamzie and John Hubert Heaton, Step mother Louise Heaton, Brother John Rodger Heaton, her son, William Rater and numerous cousins, uncles and aunts.
She is survived by her husband, Luther; daughter April (T.J), daughter-in-law Ellen Rater and four grandchildren, Austin, Jordon, Nathen, and Rachel. She will be sorely missed by her family and her friends.
The Crabtree family would like to express our sincere thanks to the management and staff of the YourLife Memory Care facility of West Melbourne. Especial thanks to the staff that took care of Barbara on a day-to-day basis. Their professionalism, patience, and their genuine concern for Barbara’s wellbeing is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. Thanks!!
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Ave, Melbourne, Fl 32901
