Nov. 11, 1951 Sept. 21, 2024

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of . Born Nov. 11, 1951, at Fort Lee, Virginia, to Virginia and Gene Susin, Barbara peacefully departed from this world on Sept. 21, 2024, in Boerne, Texas, at age 72.

She was the beloved wife of Ronald Racinowski, mother of Ryan and grandmother of Ryder Racinowski.

Barbara’s early years were as a military family member living in numerous locations within the U.S. and Germany. When her father retired, they settled in Southgate, Michigan. One of her first jobs was as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, where she met her future husband 2LT Ron Racinowski on a flight she was working. They dated from July to December, became engaged New Year’s Eve 1974 and were married in April 1975 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

She became a proud Army wife and lived in the U.S., Germany and South Korea, moving over 20 times, before they retired from the Army in 1996.

During her time as an Army wife, she chose raising her son Ryan and volunteering at military installations over working. Barbara was recognized and awarded by the Army as a Volunteer of the Year twice.

Even after retirement in 1996, she once again began volunteering for numerous organizations as well as St Peter’s Catholic Church in Boerne. Whether it be the Boerne Chamber of Commerce, The board of directors of the Kronkosky Senior Center, Daughters of the American Revolution, or the many Mmnistries at St Peter’s Church, Barbara threw herself into work that would improve Boerne and the local Kendall County community and its residents.

For more than 10 years she provided holy communion to residents of senior citizen locations as well as supporting the Kendall County Women’s Shelter and the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center. There was no task that Barbara didn’t successfully complete.

Barbara also was very involved with Republican party efforts by being the president of the Kendall County Republican Women for two terms, secretary of two different other clubs and as an election pfficial for over 12 years.

After her fundraising efforts, she made eight trips to South Texas to provide personal health items to the U.S. Border Patrol agents. Her success was acknowledged as one of the 10 Outstanding Women of the Texas Federation of Republican Women for 2023.

The pride and joy of her life were her son Ryan and grandson Ryder. She raised Ryan while Ron was in the Army, being deployed around the world and stationed in locations where she and Ryan could not join Ron. She became an expert in moving to different locations, organizing 23 different moves while married to Ron and over 20 other moves as a military family member with her parents.

Running the household, raising Ryan alone and continuing to volunteer were easy tasks for her.

Her grandson Ryder was a light in her life. He called her “Bibi.” As he started to talk, he called his grandparents “Bibi-Pop,” which always caused her to laugh and smile.

Barbara taught him to bake cookies, make meals, read and do his math. They were always seen cuddling on the couch reading or just enjoying each other.

She was deeply in love with her husband Ron as they travelled the world during their almost 50-year marriage. They were best friends and became even closer as they fought and defeated her cancer last year.

Barbara’s warm and compassionate spirit touched the lives of many, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Her kind heart and unwavering dedication to her loved ones will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life service to honor Barbara’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 at St Peter the Apostle Church in Boerne. Following the service, there will be a reception to share memories and stories of Barbara’s life.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Ron; one son, Ryan Ellery of Boerne, one grandson, Ryder James; and one brother, Jack Susin, of New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents Gene and Virginia Susin.

leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and grace that will continue to inspire all her knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www. ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.