Modena Verine Barlow, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 with her daughters by her side. Born on December 2, 1934, in Tipton, Oklahoma, to Verna Janice Phillips and Earl Richard Phillips, Modena was raised in Oklahoma and Texas alongside her beloved brothers: Rex Phillips (Adeline), Jimmie Phillips (Rosa), and Talma Gene Muse.

She graduated from Odessa High School and moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, in 1953. It was there, in 1954, that Modena met her future husband, W. R. “Luke” Barlow, at a local bowling alley. The two were married on September 7, 1956, and shared 56 wonderful years together before Luke’s passing in 2012.

Modena was the cherished mother of Jan Fletcher, Kristy and Jeff Mosley of Hobbs, and Lyn and Tom Weeks of Albuquerque. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Angela Sloan & Candace Olivas of Hobbs, Amanda Serna of Hobbs, Tyler Fletcher, Zach Weeks & Meg Schultz of Plymouth, MA, Libby Weeks & Luke Terry of Minturn, CO, Ryan Weeks & Devon Merritt of Portland, ME, Cooper Mosley & Hannah Horrigan, of Copley, OH, Myka Mosley & Iliana Cobos of Anthony, NM, and Alexa Mosley & Michael Miranda of Englewood, CO. Her legacy also includes five great grandchildren: Sylas Serna, Kyron Fields, Lillian Sloan and Luci Sloan of Hobbs, and Amelia King of Copley, OH.

She dedicated over two decades of her professional life working as an insurance adjuster for Employer’s Casualty before enjoying her well-earned retirement.

Modena was well known for her incredible baking talents, especially her famous chocolate cake, which became a cherished tradition among family and friends. She was affectionately known as the “Chocolate Cake Lady.” Her kitchen was often filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful scent of something delicious being prepared with love. Modena had a gift for calligraphy and art. She also loved crossword puzzles as well as collecting recipes. She was an avid fan of all sports, but her favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of the amazing caregivers at Gentiva Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and Beehive Homes of Hobbs. The family also wishes to thank Delia Saenz for her many years of loving care, support, and friendship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Rex and Talma Gene, her beloved husband Luke, and her grandson Tyler.

Modena was a devout Episcopalian, and her life was one of grace, love, quiet strength, and kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to an animal charity of your choice, as she always had a soft spot for cats and dogs.