June 19, 1932 – January 2, 2023
Barbara Umbarger, age 90, passed away on January 2, 2023 in El Dorado Hills, California. She went to her heavenly home, peacefully in her sleep.
Barbara was the only child born to George and Ethel (Peak) Walters on June 19, 1932 in Newton, Kansas. There she spent her happy childhood, close to relatives and friends.
She was gifted both academically and in the arts. Her creative abilities were evident her entire life. She was a member of her school orchestra and traveled with the Honors Orchestra playing both the piano and violin. Barbara’s artwork was displayed in numerous art shows and she received a college scholarship for art when she was just 15 years old. Her lifelong love of books began early. As a child, her parents often found her reading under the covers with a flashlight, always assuring them she’d go to sleep after just “one” more chapter.
Upon graduation from Newton High, Barbara married William Norman Umbarger on June 25, 1950 in Newton, Kansas. In 1957, the young couple moved with their three young children to Boulder, Colorado where they later welcomed another son. They built a home on a small farm not far from Niwot, Colorado. Here Barbara devoted a great deal of time to her children’s activities and education. She was active in the PTA and 4-H, and was a Boy Scouts den mother for her three sons.
Barbara’s love for reading and her desire to foster this love in her children, brought them to the Longmont Public Library often. It was during these visits, staff came to know and love Barbara, which also led to in her being offered a job at the library. Barbara was employed at the library for the next 25 years. She was always ready with a smile and eager to help…naturally becoming a favorite of library patrons.
In the 70’s, Barbara had a cattery where she raised Persian cats. One of her prize Persians went on to be a national finalist. At this time, she also played violin in the Longmont Symphony Orchestra.
In 1977, with their children raised, Barbara and Norman moved into Longmont. They both loved to travel and had many adventures all over Europe, Mexico and Canada. She marveled at visiting historical landmarks and especially adored Ephesus, Turkey with its many ancient Christian sites.
Barbara had many interests, including making silver and turquoise jewelry. She also was a founding member of the “Hello Dollies” doll club in Longmont. During this time, she acquired an extensive antique doll collection and became very knowledgeable with all facets of doll history. Barbara was called upon to both appraise dolls and judge them in doll shows. She excelled in making beautiful doll clothes out of antique fabrics and laces. Her hands were never idle.
Barbara’s greatest love was for her family. She always put her family first, never too busy to listen and lend a helping hand. Constantly cheerful, kind and loving, her family and friends always benefited from her giving nature.
Barbara and Norman were blessed to have 62 years together. After Norman passed away in 2013, Barbara moved to El Dorado Hills, California to live near her daughter and husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent her last ten years going to holiday and family gatherings, school programs, birthday parties and her great grandchildren’s sports games. She made good friends where she lived and was always busy with activities. She, also, was able to indulge her passion of reading books to her heart’s content.
Barbara was a wonderful, loving woman and her entire family was blessed by her life. She will be forever missed.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Norman, sons David Umbarger and Michael Umbarger, great-grandson Wilder Umbarger, and by her sister-in-law, Erma Wagner.
She is survived by her sons Robin Umbarger of Longmont, CO and Ronald Umbarger of Pueblo, CO; daughter Jeanne Helms (Sheldon) of El Dorado Hills, CA; grandchildren, Jeremy Umbarger (Marcie) of Broomfield, CO, Sara Ross (Chad) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Aaron Helms (Amber) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Jessica Burkhart of Colorado, and Lorie Dorn (Brian) of Albertville, AL; great-grandchildren, Cecilia Umbarger, Lois Umbarger, Kathryn Ross, Tori Ross, Henry Helms, Clara Helms, and Monroe Umbarger; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.
A public visitation will be held at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont, Colorado on Monday, January 23rd from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Barbara's funeral service will take place on Tuesday, January 24th at 10:00 am at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 am at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside. Fond memories of Barbara and condolences for her family are welcome at www.ahlbergfunearlchapel.com.
