Barbara was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania in 1929 into a loving, Christian family. Her grandfather, a minister, felt a deep love for the Indian people traveling to many reservations. This feeling was instilled within her as a child. Marrying her life companion, Richard, in 1950 they raised two daughters, then moved to Arizona in 1973. The family grew to six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She enjoys a deep religious belief, a passionate love for people, and a deep sense of family. At the age of 50, she yearned to make a difference in someone’s life – the Lord led her to the Indian people.