Barbara Ann Michels

Barbara Ann Michels, 75, of Ventura, California, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren, on September 27, 2024. Born on August 3, 1949 in Iowa, she moved to California with her parents and older brother at age four. She spent her childhood years living on Trinity Drive in Ventura, where she made lifelong friends and created memories while playing about in the neighborhood. She attended Blanche Reynolds Elementary School and graduated from Ventura High School in 1967. Barbara attended Ventura Community College and Sawyer Business School. She dedicated her life to public service, working over 25 years with the County of Ventura as an Administrative Assistant within the Mental Health Department and over 15 years with the Community College District, touching lives at Moorpark Community College, Oxnard Community College, and Ventura Community College. In retirement, she continued to give back, volunteering in the classroom her daughter Eva taught in and with the Red Cross Center at Port Hueneme.

Barbara was a beloved figure in her community, known for her happy, loving nature and the genuine care she showed to all. She cherished her time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, and enjoyed baking, cooking, and shopping. Barbara's warmth and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Tony Pico; daughter, Eva McGinley Harris of Ventura; six grandchildren, Aaron, Tatum, Mason, Jacob, Nicholas, and Annika, all of Ventura; brother, Bob Michels of Ventura; and numerous relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eva Michels; younger brother, Carl Michels; and daughter, Amy McGinley Avelar. She will be missed by many relatives and lifelong friends.

All donations made in Barbara’s name will go to protecting a preserving open space throughout Ventura County for current and future generations.

VLT will install a plaque next to the bench dedicated to Barbara’s daughter, Amy Avelar, at Harmon Canyon Preserve in memory of Barbara.

Please click on the link below to make a donation in her name.

If you prefer to donate by check, please mail it to the following address with ‘Barbara Ann Michels’ written in the memo line.

Ventura Land Trust, P.O. Box 1284, Ventura, CA 93002