Celina, Texas -- Barbara Ann Dombkowski, 80, of Celina and until recently Gunter, passed away on February 15, 2021 due to complications of pneumonia at Baylor Scott and White in McKinney.

Barbara was born to Wilbur and Leona Purvis, September 2, 1940 in Daleville, Indiana. She graduated from Daleville High School and received her bachelors in education and masters degree in special education from Ball State Teacher’s College. 

She was married to Robert (Bob) Dombkowski in 1963. Barbara is survived by her husband Bob, two children, Robert Dombkowski and his wife Mingshu Yin of McKinney and Katherine (Kit) Dombkowski Mathes and her husband Paul Mathes of Richardson. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Elizabeth Mathes, Angela Yin, Annie Yin and Boyu Yin; great-granddaughter Saffron. 

The definition of family was very broad to Barbara. Many who knew her considered her as another mother or grandmother figure in their lives. She guided with kindness and led by example. 

Barbara, known to most of her students as “Mrs. D” was a lifelong teacher starting her career in Kokomo, Indiana. She also educated children in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Ada, Oklahoma; Forrest City, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Keller and most recently in Celina. Ms. D’s students varied from Kindergarten to 6th grade; special needs to gifted and talented; and outside of the classroom serving as a Girl Scout Leader, creating a Crochet Club at O’Dell Elementary before her retirement in 2019. 

Calling will be held Monday, February 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne. Services will be held graveside 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 23 at the cemetery in Van Alstyne. A celebration of life will be held on a warm sunny day amid the wild flowers in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to support the O’Dell Elementary PTA Intervention Program at 750 Punk Carter Parkway, Celina, Texas 75009 as well as spending time reading with a child. 

Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX, 75495. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.