Barbara Steinbeck Schelling

Barbara Steinbeck Schelling, a longtime resident of Petaluma and San Francisco, passed away on May 14, 2017 at the age of 92. She was the partner, best friend, and devoted wife of John Schelling, loving mother of John Schelling, Jr. of Sebastopol and Mark E. Schelling and his wife Rita of Concord. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband John and her brother Harry E. Steinbeck, aka "Steinie". Barbara was born in 1925 in the back bedroom of her Grandpa Baker's house on Roblar Road in Petaluma, CA. She grew up nearby on a ranch owned by her father and uncle. She loved school and loved riding horses. Her fondest childhood memories were of riding horses with her cousin Alice Mae Steinbeck. Barbara and Allie Mae became as close as sisters, and remained friends throughout their lives.

In 1937, when Barbara was twelve, her family moved to San Francisco. Barbara attended Polytechnic HS where she met John Schelling. She transferred to the newly built Lincoln HS and graduated in 1943. She attended classes at UC Berkeley and began working as a bursar for the California School of Fine Arts.

In 1948, John and Barbara began a marriage that would last 69 years. John worked as a civil engineer while Barbara stayed at home and raised their two sons. They vacationed in Summerhome Park on Russian River every summer for more than 50 years. The residents in their summer community became life-long friends.

In 1967, after her sons were grown, Barbara attended SF State University. She graduated with honors, got her credential, and became a substitute teacher. She worked in public schools all over San Francisco and eventually got a permanent position at Lawton School. She continued teaching into her sixties.

Barbara enjoyed dancing and exercise. In the 1960's, in her forties, she attended modern dance classes at the Stanzee Peterson Dance Studio on San Francisco's Haight Street. She continued to take exercise classes into her eighties.

Barbara loved design. With the help of her close friend, interior designer Barbara Light, she remodeled her house in San Francisco's Sunset district.  She wanted to make every room "sing", and she did. Her creativity extended into her gardening, as well.

Barbara liked socializing and hosting parties. She planned an elaborate 50th wedding anniversary celebration at the San Francisco Presidio Officers' Club, hired the Vernon Alley Trio, a caterer, and a photographer. More than 55 people attended and had a fabulous time. It was one of the best nights the Schelling family ever had.

Barbara loved people and had lots of friends from all walks of life. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The Schelling family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Petaluma for the wonderful care they gave Barbara during the final months of her life.

Please join us for a memorial service celebrating the lives of John and Barbara Schelling on Saturday, June 24, at 11:00 am. The service will be held at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk St in Petaluma. It will be followed by a reception at Graffiti Restaurant in Petaluma. For more Information, please email [email protected] .

Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory