Posted on 02/10/2026

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Surrounded by her family, Barbara Fratis passed away peacefully at her home in West Sacramento, California, on January 24, 2026. Born on March 29, 1939, in North Hollywood, California, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dallas and LaVerne Langley, and her younger sister, Nancy. Barbara is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 67 years, Dennis Fratis. Together, they built a loving family and created a lifetime of memories. Denny and Barbara met at a friend's wedding and formed an instant connection. Denny recalls that they "walked around the block three times" during the event just so they could keep talking. They got engaged on New Year's Eve that same year, and were married just a few months later. After settling in West Sacramento, they became the loving parents of Karen, Mark, and Pamela, and years filled with baseball games, swim meets, and school events followed. As their family grew, Barbara became the proud grandmother of the "Lucky 7" - Karen and Vic's children Rachael and Sarah; Mark and Daphne's children Mark Jr. and Samantha; and Pamela and Ron's children Anthony, Brianna, and Austin. She was a constant presence at dance recitals, Little League games, and races on Lake Washington. She snuck chocolate milk into baby bottles, had a laugh (and a whistle) that could be heard a mile away, and always put the crispest bills into birthday cards. Over the years, Sarah's husband Jimmy, Samantha's husband Cesar, and Austin's fiancée Olive joined the family. Barbara also became the beloved "GG" to Landon, Lexy, Dallas, James, and Florence. She also remained deeply connected to her extended family, including Denny's siblings and their spouses, as well as her many nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country. Barbara was a loyal friend and caring neighbor who remained deeply engaged in her community throughout her life. She will be especially missed by her close circle of friends, lovingly known as "her girls." Through Bunco games, trips, celebrations, and everyday conversations, their bond remained strong for decades. These friendships were a great joy in her life and a testament to her loyalty and generosity of spirit. Barbara lived with deep empathy and strong convictions, guided by a strong sense of fairness and compassion. She believed in standing up for others and showing up when others needed support. At work, she was known as a thoughtful and nurturing coworker, described as a "welcome relief" in moments of tension. Her calm presence and no-nonsense wisdom made a lasting impression on all who knew her. Barbara loved baseball, was an avid reader, and enjoyed crafting and picking up new hobbies. She delighted in travel, embracing new places and experiences with enthusiasm. Known for her bright smile and contagious laugh, Barbara brought joy wherever she went. Above all, Barbara will be remembered for her open heart, her resilience, her laughter, and her unwavering love for her family, friends, and community. Barbara will be greatly missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. A funeral service honoring her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at River Cities Funeral Chapel in West Sacramento. A gathering will follow at 2:00 pm at the West Sacramento Community Center at 1075 West Capitol Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her memory.