Barbara LaViolette, 89, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 11, 2026. She was born Dec. 21, 1936, in Door County to Arnold and Dorothy (Jacobs) Zahn. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School, Barb went on to study at the University of Whitewater from 1953-1954. On September 13, 1958, she married James Eldon LaViolette at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. For many years, Barb worked as a teller for the Bank of Sturgeon Bay at the west side location. She was a long time and faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Barb always said how grateful she was to have lived her life in Door County. She thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the state parks and the waters around Door County. She and her husband Jim spent much time boating and countless hours hiking, biking, walking, and cross-country skiing in Potawatomi State Park near their home. They enjoyed many picnic lunches in the park, especially by Sawyer Harbor. Barb took great pride in keeping an immaculate house and decorating her home for all the seasons. She also loved growing flowers in her flower beds and planting all her flower baskets and pots in spring. Most of all, Barb loved the time she spent with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren treasured her and will forever cherish all the memories of the time they spent with her. She is survived by her husband Jim, 2 children, Bob LaViolette (Ann Pickett) and Cheryl (Barry) Valentine; 4 grandchildren, Ryan (Maria Arango) Harding, Kendra Harding (James Devany), Sierra (Jillian Shaffer) Valentine, Hailey Valentine (Fiance Michael Williams); 3 great-grandchildren, Remington, Kincaid, and Aurora; brother Arnold (Debby) Zahn; in-laws, Yvonne Erfourth, and Terry and Karen LaViolette. She was preceded in death by her parents, and in-laws, Stanley and Delores LaViolette, and Lyle Erfourth. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with burial at Bayside Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the Forbes Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 16, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with devotions to be conducted at 6:50 pm. Visitation will also be held at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name.