Barbetta Raymond

Barbetta Raymond passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Barbetta celebrated her 95th birthday in March of 2026. Her life began in China, where she was born alongside her twin sister while her parents were serving as American missionaries. In a time when Chinese families were limited to one child (and preferably a son) due to population concerns, the circumstances surrounding her birth could have led to a quick toss off the boat. Thankfully, since her parents were American citizens, they let it slide.

Barbetta devoted 50 years of her life to teaching piano. Music was not simply something she taught; it was a lifelong passion and a language she spoke fluently. Over the years, she taught countless students, including her eventual daughter-in-law and several of her grand-children. Needless to say the daughter-in-law decided to focus her practice elsewhere. And while her grandchildren may not have always practiced as often as she would have preferred, they certainly excelled in other areas—much to her delight, even if those accomplishments weren’t nearly as near and dear as a well-practiced scale.

Barbetta was preceded in death by the love of her life, Rev. Eldon Raymond, who passed away in 2005. Together they raised three sons, Rick, Steve, and Dave, who survive her and carry on her legacy.

She was also a beloved grandmother to seven grandchildren and a great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and her love for them was woven into the fabric of her long life.

Barbetta found joy in the simple things: playing Chinese checkers, putting together puzzles, and, of course, sitting down at a piano. She also made sure every one of her grandchildren knew how to sing “Jesus Loves Me” in Chinese-a lesson none of us were allowed to graduate from without mastering. She was a lifelong woman of deep faith, and she trusted in God throughout her 95 years.

She is survived by her twin sister, but reunited with her parents, her younger sister and brother, and, at long last, her beloved Eldon.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. But she has certainly already found her way upstairs, sitting at a piano, playing for the masses, with no grandchildren around to admit they didn’t practice.

Rest peacefully, Barbetta. Your work here is done.

Personal messages for her family and memories may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.