Barbara Dhian Spencer Routten, age 77, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026. She will be remembered for her kindness, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to family.

Barbara attended Kecoughtan High School and began her career as a secretary before becoming a medical and judicial transcriptionist. She was exceptionally skilled at her work, with an impressive typing speed of more than 140 words per minute.

Barbara had a remarkable talent for sewing and decorating. From elaborate skating costumes to countless dresses, Halloween costumes, and even a stunning wedding gown for one of her daughters, Barbara could turn an idea and a few yards of fabric into something truly memorable. Her creativity extended to embroidery, knitting, and cake decorating, and she was a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen.

Barbara had a caretaker's heart and a natural instinct to look after others. She gave generously of her time and energy, often putting the needs of those she loved ahead of her own.

She loved the color lavender, Neil Diamond, New York City, and, perhaps most of all, dogs.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Owens Routten; her parents, Earl Spencer, Jr. and Waltraut Spencer; and her sister, Sylvia Spencer.

She is survived by her daughters, Amber Routten-Mitchell and her husband, Edward, and Blake Rougeux and her husband, Raymond; and her siblings, Annette Ferrara, Kenny Spencer, and Susan Shepherd.

Barbara was the soft strength of her family, the steady presence everyone could depend on. No matter the occasion or the budget, she always found a way to make things special for those she loved. Her family will miss her unwavering support, her rosy-cheeked smile, her delicious blueberry fluff, and the warmth of her hugs that somehow made you feel a little less sick, completely loved, and always safe.

As Barbara wished, a graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Clark Cemetery in Fox Hill, Hampton, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's memory to one of two causes.

Ironwood Pig Sanctuary in Arizona was especially close to Barbara's heart. She loved receiving its newsletters and keeping up with the stories and personalities of the sanctuary's many rescued pigs. Donations in her memory may be made at www.ironwoodpigs.org.

Alternatively, donations may be made to the Clark Cemetery Fund to support shoreline protection efforts. Years of erosion have brought the water dangerously close to the graves of generations of Fox Hill families. Efforts are underway to explore possible solutions, and financial support is urgently needed to help protect the cemetery's historic burial grounds from further erosion. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. Donations may be mailed to Clark Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary Roaseau, Treasurer, 373 Emily Dickenson South, Newport News, VA 23606-1488. Please include "In memory of Barbara S. Routten" with your donation.