Barbara Hartshorn Champion of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, NM passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at age 96.

Born in Pomona, CA to a citrus grower in the Pomona Valley, Barbara graduated from Bonita Union HS, Attended Mt. San Antonio College where she received her AA and then attended the University of Colorado, Boulder graduating in 1952 with a degree in elementary education. She also earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with an emphasis in multicultural education from the University of New Mexico.

Upon graduation she married college sweetheart Roscoe Champion, and following his service in the Navy they moved to New Mexico. While raising her 3 children, she lived in Albuquerque where she taught 1st and 2nd grade. Following their divorce, she held numerous positions including Susan’s Christmas Shop (Santa Fe), Fenn Galleries (Santa Fe), and became an independent distributor for Young Living essential oils.

As a community volunteer, Barbara received accolades for her involvement in the Central Methodist Church WSCS, The Collect Park Elementary PTA, and the Albuquerque Junior Women’s Club. She was a docent for the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe and ushered for 20 years at Popejoy Hall. One of her most proud accomplishments was being the first president of the Parent’s Association and Chairperson in charge of raising funds for the Albuquerque Youth Symphony’s 1973 trip to Vienna, Prague, and Budapest.

In addition, she enjoyed tennis, reading, art, stitchery, travel and in later years following professional baseball and college football.

She was predeceased by her daughter Kimberly and survived by her two sons, Kyle Champion (Elizabeth) and Darryl Champion (Sharon); grandchildren Karen Champion Morris, Diana Champion, David Champion, Brian Champion and Angelo Champion; along with great grandchildren: Jordan Morris Webb, Abby Morris, Christian Morris, Frankie Varela, Christopher Champion, Rex Champion, Theodore Champion, Steven Champion, Bemjamin Champion and Madeline Champion.