Barbara Jay Bullard

A truly amazing woman whose love and smile were known and cherished throughout her community. Barbara J. Bullard, 73, of Delta Colorado, passed away peacefully on December 26th, 2023, at the HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction.

Born in Montrose, Colorado, to Dale and Eva Boyer, she was the middle child of a family of six children. Barbara shared three children with her first husband. Her oldest, Andy Mock, his wife Megan, and their two children, Eli and Charlie. Her middle, Amy Mock-James, her husband Danny, and their three children, John Tyler, Tucker, and Dawson. Her youngest, Janelle Mock, and her husband, Darren.

Though she loved baking, gardening, and creating beautiful floral arrangements, Barbara’s favorite role was that of a grandmother. She treasured time with all her grandkids, never failing to rope them into scrubbing buckets or helping in the kitchen for Sunday breakfasts and family dinners. Barbara and her grandchildren shared a passion for reading and a love for books. Amongst the hundreds of books they read together, their favorites include The Napping House, Stellaluna, and Piggy in the Puddle.

Barbara also had a love for animals, especially of the Yorkshire Terrier variety. She was rarely spotted at the flower shop without her pint-sized companions to greet guests upon arrival. She rescued eight small dogs over the last two decades. Her first, Bruno (aka Mr. Puppy), though small in stature, believed himself capable of fending off all intruders and served as the most excellent companion. Never one to pass up an opportunity to rescue an animal in need, she also took care of a menagerie of rescued turtles and estranged alley cats.

Barbara was a member of Altrusa International of Delta Colorado. Having served for nearly 20 years, her dedication to the organization’s core values and the overall betterment of her community through action and giving has left a legacy of generosity and compassion. Barbara’s impact on her community can only be overshadowed by the impact she had on those closest to her. She was a proud woman who was not prone to seeking help but was always the first to offer a hand to a friend in need. She truly cared about everyone she was blessed to have in her life, which is evident in the many friendships she held dear and the lives she touched throughout her own.

Everyone who met Barbara knew her for her quick wit, creative eye, and green thumb. For decades, she hosted one of the most beautiful gardens in Delta County that served as the ideal stomping ground for her growing grandchildren. This love for gardening turned a new leaf upon her acquisition of Ruby’s Floral in the late 90’s. Putting her best foot forward and showing her skills and creative edge, she operated a business with the sole purpose of providing joy for her patron’s greatest moments and compassion in their most trying times.

Though not religious, Barbara was spiritual, believing in always doing the right thing and caring for those in need. At her dinner table, the family proverb was always read.

 “As you travel through life, and you stop to look behind you. May the times that you’ve been happy far outnumber the times that fate has been unkind. And may much more happiness be awaiting you on the journey yet to be.”

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Jay, husband Barry Bullard, sister Cheryl, brother Ralph, and brother Paul. She is survived by her brother Donald, sister Lois, her three children, and five grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in her memory to either the Delta Health Foundation or the HopeWest Hospice program for their excellent care of Barbara in her final days.