Barbara Alice (Pritchard) Deahl

Barbara A. Deahl, 94, of San Diego, CA passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025.  Barbara was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota but her family later moved to south Texas where she was raised on a ranch in the Rio Grande Valley.  She received her B.A. degree in Spanish and Mexican History from the University of the Americas in Mexico City.  She met her future husband, Al Deahl, while attending classes there.  They were married in Harlingen, Texas in 1953.

Barbara was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority (University of Washington) and Al, who died in 2003, was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (Knox College, Galesburg, IL).

Following their graduations and marriage, Al served in the U.S. Army before joining NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) as a Special Agent.  This led to numerous assignments during Al's 30 year career where Barbara aptly moved and settled in the family.  Al's final transfer was to NAS Miramar in San Diego.  They settled in Rancho Bernardo and later retired there permanently.  (Al is best remembered as Master of Ceremonies for 19 years at RB's "Symphony of the Green" and for eight years as host of KPBS radio program "The Pacific Ballroom").

Al told Barbara upon his retirement, "The next 30 years are all yours!"    Barbara taught Spanish at the Continuing Education Center in Rancho Bernardo before teaching "Spanish at Sea" classes aboard cruise ships to Puerto Rico.  This led to a position as a worldwide Tour Escort for 30 years.  Al often accompanied her on tours and cruises until he succumbed to Parkinson's disease in 2003.

Barbara is survived by their two daughters: Deanna Bates and Deborah Love, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her husband and siblings, Mary Lou Kappila and Howard Pritchard.

A graveside service and burial will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Violett Cemetery, Goshen, IN.  Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer Chapel is assisting with local arrangements.  A memorial service will take place in San Diego at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North County Interfaith (Escondido, CA) or a charity of your choice.

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