CPO Barbara "Barb" Ann Fitzmayer, USN (Ret.), 64, of Pace, FL was officially relieved of duty and called home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

Born September 27, 1960, in Louisville, KY, Barb was the middle child of five children born to Louis H. and Norma (Welsh) Fitzmayer. She graduated from the Presentation Academy in 1978 and enlisted in the US Navy later that year. She served in the Navy for 20 years from 1979-1999 retiring in Pensacola, FL. While in the Navy she was stationed in Naples, Italy, where she had her first daughter Sarah. Then to Jacksonville, FL and Patuxent River, MD where she met her husband, Steve and they had their first two daughters Stephanie and Amanda. Next, they went to Rota, Spain, where the twins Katherine and Elizabeth were born. Next, they went to Millington, TN and Pensacola, FL where she retired. After she retired Barb continued to work indirectly for the Military for a short period of time with IDSI before returning as a DoD contractor doing what she loved and knew better than most. She went on to spend almost 20 more years serving this country as a DoD contractor in almost the same compacity as she did while active duty. She loved what she did and did it better than anyone else. She was the jack of all trades, the oracle. While maintaining her military career and family she fell a love with the Moose Lodge what they stood for, the charities they support, the gatherings of people and food. What started as a job to get some extra cash for five growing girls became almost thirty years of fun, friendships and giving. Barb believed wholeheartedly in giving. She gave her time to anyone that needed it, any event or just coming and sitting with you if you needed company. She would feed you if she even thought you were hungry, did not matter if you told her you ate, she fed you. She gave you a look if you tried to take her picture. She'd stuff money in your pocket when you weren't looking if you wouldn't take it. And she gave her witty smart straight to the point comments to any, doctor, nurse, daughter, husband or sibling that needed a reminder that she was who she was. Just never cut down her garden, do not mess with her bird feeders and never make one of her grandbabies cry. She loved being a grandmother and filled the role beautifully. She cuddled them, sang to them, piled them in her lap and watched silly videos with them. If one was in the hospital, she was watching over them. Whatever one of her grandbabies wanted she found a way to make it happen. She was a mother of five and a grandmother of five. She spoke about her grandchildren as much as she did her children. She loved them and was proud of all of them.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Louis H. Fitzmayer and Norma Jean (Welsh) Fitzmayer.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Reaser; daughters, Sarah (Fitzmayer) Ward, Stephanie Reaser, Amanda (Reaser) Voelker (RJ), Katherine Reaser and Elizabeth Reaser (Erik Lollar); grandchildren, Helen Voelker, Kessa Ward, Ryley Ward, Wyatt Voelker and Nolan Ward; sisters and brothers, Karen Dant (Michael), Mark Fitzmayer (Claudette), Jo Ann Kalb (Debbie Thompson), and John Fitzmayer (Nancy).

A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 am until a memorial service begins at 10:00 am Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery. A reception will follow at The Moose Lodge, 8851 Lewis St., Pensacola, FL 32514.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Nurses at Ascension Sacred Heart and VITAS. To all of her peers, coworkers, and friends that came forward and offered guidance and kind words.