Barbara was a native Californian. She was an accomplished seamstress, interior designer, licensed contractor, bookkeeper, and slalom race-car driver. She prided herself on being a well-informed citizen, ever ready to defend her political point of view. She never met an argument she couldn’t win.  Barbara married twice. The first resulted in 3 beautiful children. She divorced and became a single working mom until she met her life partner, Bernie Gates. Together they raised their blended family of 12 children through difficult financial times, building a successful construction business in Ventura County. Eventually, they moved north to Willow Creek and became partners in the local Golf and Country Club. Barbara loved planning and hosting parties and events there. Once the children grew up, they sold their interest in the club and Barbara knew she wanted to design and build homes again. She partnered with her best friend, Connie, moved to central CA, and built several custom homes. The marriage ended, the economy shifted, so Barb settled in Redding near her daughter, Mindy, where her love of the arts led her to volunteer with the local Jazz Society.  Her final years were spent back in Ventura close to her children Ron, Julie, Holly, Dean and Mike. During this time, she volunteered with the American Cancer Society, enjoyed reading and attending local theatre, played cards, hosted family and friends, and still found time to design and make quilts for each new great grandchild.  She loved the buzz of family around her over the last years and attempted to share her feelings for the first time, no pretenses.  Barbara will be remembered as a creative, adventurous and intelligent woman.