Obituary of Barbara Bedford

Barbara Ann Bedford, 66, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 9th. Barbara was born in Waco, Texas. She moved to Santa Cruz when she was 4 years old. Barbara has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for 62 years. Barbara worked for the University of California, Santa Cruz for 40 years. She came to the University at a young age of 18 and began her career as a Personnel Assistant for the campus Staff Human Resources in 1968. She was the founder of the first Student Employment Service for students on the UCSC Campus in 1994. With great vision, confidence, motivation and drive she designed, created, and organized the Student Employment Center on her own, only later to be assisted by one person. In her years of service she has seen the number of positions for part-time student work increase from 17 to over 5,000 jobs. In 1996, she was asked to create a one stop career/employment service for UCSC students and was also appointed to be Director. This goal was accomplished by combining two campus units, Career Planning and Placement and Student Employment, now known as the Career Center. In 2005, Barbara became the Executive Director of the Career and Ethnic Resource Centers.Barbara received many certificates of recognition for many programs. Her most cherished recognition was being nominated as Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1986 because it acknowledged her career and non-career related accomplishments. She was also recognized in International Who's Who of Professionals, 1998 edition. Barbara was a remarkable person. She was loved and cared for by all who knew her and will truly be missed. She was seen as a phenomenal human being who had an unselfish, caring, giving attitude for anyone in need even in bad or good situations. She always held everything and everyone together. Even though she acquired many professional accolades, her first priority and love was for her God Jehovah, her children and her Christian congregation. Barbara served as a faithful Jehovah's Witness for 37 years. Her love and faithfulness gave her strength and hope which kept her positive and encouraged others.She is survived by her 6 children, Kaya Hunt, Osibisa Bedford, Breanna Bedford, Justin Bedford, Whitney Bedford, and Julian Bedford, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also by her brothers and sister, Stanley Arnold, Russell Arnold, Anthony Arnold, and Aloma Ward. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles Bedford, mother Mary Arnold, sister Andrea Arnold and son Spencer Hunt. We will miss you mom, sister, and friend.Services will be Saturday, December 21st at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at 960 Brommer St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 at 1 PM. The reception will be announced at the memorial service.