Barbara D. Kistner

Barbara D Kistner, beloved wife and mother, passed away March 7, 2023, at the age of 81 in Sacramento, CA.  Born September 1, 1941, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma to John and Ernestine Day, she was an extraordinarily happy person and led a wonderful life.

She moved to Mt Shasta in 1946 where she excelled in school, played sports and made life-long friends. She also participated in bands and was a high school cheer and song leader. Upon graduating high school in 1959, she enrolled in San Jose State and also began doing some modeling for Bay Area stores. Her college career was cut short, however, when she met a dashing forest ranger by the name of Dave Nelson. They were soon married, and Barbara became a devoted wife and mother to sons Bo and Kent as the family moved from the shadow of Mt Shasta to the blistering flatlands of Redding and then onto stints in Big Bear Lake and Nevada City.

Barbara continued her studies and earned a bachelor’s degree from San Bernadino State University, followed by a master’s degree from Sacramento State University. Through her work as a social worker and therapist, she would go on to help countless people in crisis and even helped a very talented mental health ‘client’ to create a critically acclaimed art show that very nearly became a Hollywood produced documentary.

In the late 1980’s she would relocate to Sacramento, CA to be closer to her parents and sister. She soon met and then married John Kistner whom she would remain with until her death. She was an adoring friend and stepmother to John’s kids, Johnny, Eric, Mariah and Kirsten and their children Forrest, Avery, Camille, Elaine, Bradley and Abby.

She enjoyed doing many things over the years. Skiing, tennis, painting, hosting family gatherings around the pool and traveling were some of her favorites.

Barbara passed comfortably in the board and care home she shared with her husband John. Her sons, Bo and Kent, were with her to her last breath. She was a beautiful, happy woman her entire life. She will be missed.

Please join us for a memorial service on June 16, 2023, at 1 pm. The service will be located at East Lawn Funeral Home (5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, CA) and will be followed by interment in the Urn Garden and a reception at 2600 Los Feliz, Carmichael, 95608.