Barb was born in California but raised in the Illinois/Iowa area, primarily in West Liberty. She grew up attending the First Presbyterian Church (now First Church United) in West Liberty. She now lives in Mount Vernon with her husband. They have four adult children: Kim, an 8th grade math teacher in Mt. Vernon, Nick (Ashley) who works in the Department of Defense at Collins Aerospace, Kristine (Reese) who works in the National Automated Driving Simulator at the University of Iowa, and Curt (Laura) who is a high school math teacher in Mt. Pleasant. She is also blessed with five grandchildren.
Last year, Barb retired from her job as the Financial Secretary at Marion First Presbyterian Church where she worked for 23 years. She also previously worked at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon as the Secretary for 20 years and the Treasurer for 20 years. Retirement gives her more time to spend with the grandkids, which she loves! She enjoys spending time with family and friends in general, refinishing furniture, doing home improvement projects, and studying genealogy.
All of Barb’s children attended Camp Bear Creek when they were young. One of her daughters even worked at camp when she was in college. Barb herself has attended various retreats at camp and brought church youth groups for weekend stays. Barb says she enjoys seeing the growth in kids after just a week at camp. She truly believes in the mission of camp.
Barb’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:3-12: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
