Barbara Ann Driskell Holland, beloved teacher, musician, and cherished family member, passed away on June 5, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in Kentucky, Barbara came to Phoenix, Arizona at age 11 and made the Southwest her home. She attended North Phoenix High School, where she was elected to the National Honor Society, and accompanied the choir. She went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education from Arizona State University, teaching 4th,5th and 6th grades for 25 years in the Madison School District---shaping young lives with the same warmth and dedication she brought to everything she did. She had the heart of a memorable teacher. She later earned a second Master's in Guidance and Counseling from Plymouth State University and spent her final working years mentoring and supporting new teachers.

She and her late husband Richard Holland married in 1982, and retired in Littleton, New Hampshire in 1988. In retirement they participated in the community and in the First Congregational Church where they found many warm friendships. They also enjoyed traveling through Europe and Russia.

Music was a lifelong gift. Barbara played piano throughout her life and in retirement she mastered the organ and performed recitals and played at weddings and church services. After Richard's passing Barbara returned to Arizona in 2018 and joined Desert Palm United Church, once again finding warmth and belonging in a faith community.

Barbara had a gift for staying connected. She frequently wrote letters and sent cards and her long warm phone calls kept family and friends feeling remembered and close.

She is survived by her sister, Joanna Driskell Chamberlain; her stepson, Wayne Holland; her nieces and nephews, Lisa, Paul and Rob Chamberlain; and her grand-nieces and nephews, Kate and Olivia Milne and Reese and Berkeley Chamberlain.

Those who love her said it best: "She was our light." Unwaveringly kind, giving, generous and always with a smile, Barbara leaves a legacy of love, learning and human connection that will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main St., Lawrenceburg, KY.   Pastor Mark Jones will officiate the service.

Burial will be in Lawrenceburg Cemetery, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.