AliceJoy TarBush

Alice Joy (Chard) TarBush, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023, in Goleta, California. Born on April 20, 1927, in Santa Barbara, California, Alice was loving, caring, generous, and brilliant. Being an educator in Santa Barbara for over 65 years, her warmth and kindness touched the lives of thousands of students, parents and peers. Alice spent her final days with family close by her side and showed us how strong a woman we always knew her to be. Alice was the cherished mother of Allyn, Allyson, Eldyn and Charlynn. She was the loving wife of the late Charles Forbes TarBush. Alice was the daughter of Arturo (Arthur) Disidarios Chard and Lydia Esolena Kennedy Chard and the eldest of five children: Arthur Chard, Gwendoline Pellamounter, Shirley Kunze and Jack Chard. She is survived by many loving individuals, including her children Allyson, Eldyn, and Charlynn, her brother Jack and sister Shirley, along with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Lydia, her husband Charles, her eldest son Allyn, her brother Arthur, and sister Gwen. Alice was born in her parents’ home on Chino Street, and spent her entire life in the Santa Barbara area. She attended local schools including Harding elementary, La Cumbre Junior High and then Santa Barbara High School. In 1944, the University of California established a Santa Barbara campus on the Riviera, and Alice had the distinction of being a member of the first four-year class to graduate from UCSB in 1948. In February of 1948, she started her career with her first teaching position at Roosevelt Elementary School. During the following three summers, while not teaching, she studied at Stanford University. She earned a Master’s degree as well as a supervisory and administrative credential. Alice devoted her life to the Santa Barbara school system. For over 65 years she excelled in the dream job she always knew would be hers. We have all heard this quote from Alice many times, “I knew I wanted to be a teacher in second grade. I never changed my mind, and I never regretted it.” Her accomplishments and positions included developing the Gifted and Talented Education Program, elementary school curriculum development, elementary school teacher, substitute principal, vice principal and principal. Toward the end of her career, she moved to La Cumbre Junior High as a part-time reading support helper in the Read 180 program, CELDT tester, substitute teacher and vision/hearing tester for the district. Some students will remember the perfectly matched suits and shoes, while others will remember the hilarious Halloween costumes or the times Alice got up there and danced with joy right along with them. But all will remember Mrs. TarBush, the teacher who cared deeply for each of them. In 1949 she met the love her life Charles TarBush. They were married for 41 years until Charles passed. Alice and Charles were the beloved parents of four children. Alice was incredibly proud of her nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well. Alice and Charles loved to travel and see different places. They made each other laugh and leaned on each other as Charles battled the cancer that eventually ended his life. Being married on August 1st, they celebrated their marriage by continuously going on a “date” the 1st day of every month. Alice’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. She loved reading, cooking shows, traveling, a generous slot machine, and a delicious San Francisco Cioppino paired with a nice glass of red wine. She was a lifelong learner and her curiosity always had her looking for new ways to make great things happen. Alice also felt service to the community was extremely important and was a driving force in numerous organizations including: The American Legion 840 Auxiliary, Alpha Delta Kappa, Native Daughters of the Golden West, and a past officer for the California Teachers Association. The qualities of engagement, involvement, participation, and generosity were values that were second nature to Alice. If something needed to be done and be done quickly and correctly, the call always went out to Alice. Alice will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, devoted sister, dedicated lifelong teacher, and a faithful friend. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed, but her bright light will continue to inspire and guide those she left behind. A Rosary will be held at Welch-Ryce-Haider (Goleta location @ 450 Ward Drive., Santa Barbara, CA) on Wednesday, November 8th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held Thursday November 9th at 10:00 am at St Raphael Catholic Church (5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA). A short reception at the church auxiliary hall will follow the service at 11:00 am. A graveside service will take place at Santa Barbara Cemetery (901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108) after the celebration of life and reception. Graveyard service will start at approximately 12:30 pm. All are welcome to attend any or all of the planned events. To support Alice’s love of teaching the family suggests sending memorial contributions to UCSB Gevirtz Graduate School of Education - Community Fellows Fund.

AliceJoy TarBush

April 20, 1927 - October 22, 2023