Cleo Barnard

Cleo Barnard, born Maria Cleofas Salome Trijillo Garcia, formerly of Los Lunas, New Mexico, passed away on December 21, 2025, in Lavaca, Arkansas. She was born at home in Ponderosa, New Mexico, on April 17, 1943, the daughter of Leopoldo and Margarita (Trujillo) Garcia.

Cleo spent her childhood in Ponderosa before moving with her family to Albuquerque during her teenage years. It was there that she met the love of her life, William “Bill” M. Barnard, after a good friend arranged a blind date that changed everything. They married on September 8, 1961, in Albuquerque and began a life filled with adventure, resilience, and devotion to family.

Their first child, Joe, was born shortly after in 1962. Their early years took them to Oklahoma, where Kathy was born in 1964, and then back to Albuquerque before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where Christina joined the family in 1968. In the early 1970s, they returned to Oklahoma and welcomed their youngest daughter, Jennifer, in 1977.

Cleo spent several years at home raising her children before beginning her career as an EKG Technician at Osteopathic Hospital in Tulsa. She was active in her community—serving in the Eastern Star while Bill was a 32nd Degree Mason, selling Mary Kay, leading Brownies, and coaching softball. She poured her energy into every role she took on.

In 1981, after a tornado destroyed their home, Cleo and Bill rebuilt and carried on with the determination that defined them. In 1986, they moved to California, where Bill started a trucking company. For five unforgettable years, they traveled the country together in the “big rig,” accompanied by their beloved toy poodle, Sam, delivering freight and collecting memories. Their journey together continued until Bill’s passing in 2000.

Afterward, Cleo returned to New Mexico to be near family and discovered her true calling as a caregiver—a role she embraced until the age of 79. She treated every person she cared for with the same tenderness she gave her own family, and the lasting relationships she formed were a testament to her compassion. Helping others wasn’t just something she did; it was the core of who she was.

Cleo was known for her spunk, independence, and unmistakable style—sparkly bling, shimmering gold, and a touch of leopard print that made her shine wherever she went. She was the mother, grandmother, and friend who always showed up, offering steady support, fierce love, and a heart that never hesitated to give. She was sassy, strong-willed, endlessly generous, and a force of nature in every room she entered.

She leaves behind a legacy defined by service, kindness, and the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the love she shared, the example she set, and the many people who were better for having known her.

Cleo is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Barnard; her daughter, Christina Hawkins; her parents, Leopoldo and Margarita Garcia; her sisters Dorela Garcia (infant), Trini Muniz (Oliver), Eufemia (Selfa) Escamilla (George), Lourdes Garcia; her brother Ignacio Garcia; and her great-grandson Roman Britt.

She is survived by her children: Joe Barnard; Kathy Thoutt (Doug); and Jennifer Keele (J.R.). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Justin Barnard (Kimberly), Jessica Barnard (Joseph), Morgan Horgan (Conor), Ashley Roth (Jared), Kayla Cannon (Logan), Tyler Thoutt, Austin Keele (Gracie), Wyatt Keele, and Jonathan Barnard; and her great-grandchildren: Preston Britt, Carter Roth, and Waylon Keele.

Services will be held at:

Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico
Jemez Valley Baptist Church
8294 Highway 4
Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024

Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Reception to follow at San Ysidro Event Center
389 Hwy 4, San Ysidro, NM 87053

Fort Gibson, Oklahoma
Fort Gibson National Cemetery
1423 Cemetery Rd
Fort Gibson, OK 74434

Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

Where she will be laid to rest beside Bill.