Barbara Joan Nahler, age 89, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 26, 2026.

Barbara was born on October 15, 1936, in Huntingburg, Indiana, to Jacob and Freda (Kellams) Nahler. She graduated from Huntingburg High School, received her Bachelor's Degree from Indiana State Teachers College, and went on to work as an Art and Home Economics Teacher and Artist for her entire career, most of which was spent in Detroit, Michigan. Barbara valued education highly and earned a Master's Degree in Education and Theology. 

Barbara was extremely tenacious and independent, and lived a very full life. She restored a beautiful old brick mansion in Detroit to its former glory, painted murals at the Detroit Zoo, and even had her own line of handmade fashion clothing.  Barbara was always drawn to the colors and thriving art scene of the American Southwest, which brought her to New Mexico for her second act after her retirement from teaching. She was a vital part of the art culture in Albuquerque, where she was a member of the Artists Studio in Hoffmantown Plaza, the Rio Grande Artists Association, the Sandia Heights Artists, and many more. Her favorite medium was oil on canvas, rendering gorgeous abstract paintings invoking the vibrant colors of a desert sunset. 

Barbara is survived by many nieces, nephews, and good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and all five of her siblings, Ruth, Mary Jane, Tolbert ("Bud"), Paul, and Judy. Barbara did not want a memorial or funeral service, so her family and friends will scatter her ashes atop her beloved Sandia Mountain, as was her wish, at a future date. Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her, and who will think of her whenever they see a gorgeous desert mountain sunset.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring and compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home 

"Our Family Serving Yours"