Wallace, CA…Barbara Alice Flaherty, age 74, of Wallace, California, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 41 years, Steven Harold Flaherty; her parents, Don and June Wire; her brothers, Dennis and Bill Wire; and her son, Jonathan Flaherty.

She is survived by her four daughters: Amy Flaherty of Sacramento, currently living in China; Cheryl Flaherty Allen of Wallace, CA; Kelin Flaherty Foster (Arthur) of Mountain Ranch, CA; and Rebecca Flaherty Warr (Chris) of Stephens, AR; as well as her son-in-law, Brian Allen of Valley Springs, CA. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard Wire (Michelle) of Kenosha, WI, and David Wire (Anna) of Honolulu, HI; her sisters-in-law, Linda Wire of Leland, NC, and Jeanie Flaherty of Mountain Ranch, CA; and her brother-in-law, Bruce Flaherty (Ruth) of Lodi, CA.

Barbara was a proud grandmother to Matthew and Christian Mendez, Alyssa and Ian Allen, and Peyton and Parker Warr. Her bonus family included Nikki Utt (Thad), Nancy Maring (Jeff) and her children Stuart, Ben, Phillip, and Bella, Kelly Powers (Kelly), Lisa (Chris) Carey, and her caregiver and dear friend Velma Hernandez — all of whom held a special place in her heart. She was also a proud “adopted grandmother” to many children throughout the years. Barbara will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Barbara was born in Pomona, California, on December 23, 1950, the only daughter of Don and June Wire. She graduated from Westmont College, where she met the love of her life, Steve. They were married on December 28, 1974, and shared a beautiful life together for more than four decades.

Barbara joyfully embraced her calling as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She had a remarkable gift for working with children and served faithfully in many ministries throughout her life — including Sunday school, choir, puppetry, and the Gideons Auxiliary. She was known for her compassion and generosity, always ready to help a neighbor, care for a child, or buy a meal for someone in need — often accompanied by a Gideon Bible. She was a longtime member of Tri-Lakes Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for over 25 years.

For more than ten years, Barbara was also a dedicated foster parent, offering love and stability to many children who passed through her home. She was the person anyone could call in a time of need — selfless, steadfast, and full of grace, love, and patience.

Barbara loved helping in Steve’s classroom, often bringing animals to visit his first-grade students. She also had a deep love for animals and the outdoors, spending countless hours on her farm raising chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs, and horses. She was even known to sleep outside to make sure her animals were safe during labor.

She was funny, vibrant, and full of life — never meeting a stranger and often making her children and grandchildren laugh (and blush) with her outgoing personality. She loved teaching her grandchildren to bake, do crafts, and create projects together. She enjoyed thrift shopping, collecting treasures she “might need someday,” and helping with homework — especially English papers.

Most importantly, Barbara loved Jesus with her whole heart. She lived her faith daily through service, kindness, and unconditional love. Her life reflected the words of Scripture — to love the Lord with all your heart, to care for the needy, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

We rejoice knowing she is now in Heaven with Jesus, reunited with her loved ones and free from pain. Her legacy of faith, laughter, and love will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at Tri-Lakes Baptist Church in Wallace on Saturday, November 29th, at 11:00 a.m., with a potluck lunch to follow. All who loved her are welcome to attend. Bro. Chris Warr will officiate.