Obituaries

Barbara Amand (née Schulze)—beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandma, great-grandma and friend—passed away on March 18, 2026, at Carmel Manor Nursing Home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She was born in Del Rio, Texas, to the late E.C. Schulze and Lorna (Jack) Wilde.

Barbara graduated from Highlands High School in 1963. She was co-owner of KY Business Interiors (KBI), where she used her artistic talent to design numerous office spaces throughout Northern Kentucky, most notably contributing to projects at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Later in life, she found joy in working as a school bus driver for many years before transitioning to the IRS, where she eventually retired.

Barbara was an incredible cook, baker, and seamstress, as well as a gifted artist who was always eager to try something new—whether it was belly dancing or attending beautician school. She had a love for simple pleasures: cheap bourbon, Coca-Cola, cherry danishes, and key lime pie. In her spare time, she enjoyed camping and traveling abroad.

She dedicated many years as a Girl Scout leader in Williamstown, Kentucky, and was a proud and supportive band mom at Williamstown High School.

Barbara loved people—she loved to talk, to laugh, and to share exactly what was on her mind. Known for her bold style, she wore colorful glasses, embraced her purple hair, adored her caftans, and lived life entirely on her own terms. She was, unapologetically, Barbara.

She is survived by her children: Adam (Kelly) Arnett, Amy (Bill) Hahnel, Matthew (Sara) Arnett, Sarah Mason, and Molly (Andy) Farler; her sister, Tina (Greg) Schwartz; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many beloved cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Johnny Matt Schulze.

Affectionately known as “GG Barbara” to her youngest great-grandchildren and “Babs” to family and lifelong friends, she loved visits, playful teasing, and being the life of the party whenever she could.

A memorial Mass will be held on April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Barbara Church in Erlanger, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Barbara Church Christmas Giving or Semper Fi Riders (semperfiriders.org).