Barbara was born in Clearfield, South Dakota and raised in Monroe, Washington. She lived in Bakersfield and Morro Bay, California, but spent most of her life in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

She is preceded in death by her brother Gary (Rose) Raben and parents Dallas and Harriet Raben. She is survived by her nieces Ann Raben, Lisa (David) Steiner, and Jill (Paul) Hammond, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and many long-time friends.

Barbara graduated from Monroe High School in 1947 and studied teaching at Washington State and Central Washington universities, but was an entrenched Cougar fan. She entered the Dominican Convent in 1951. She taught for many years in the Archdiocese of Seattle and Fresno Diocese from 1956 to 1980. Barbara dispensed from her vows in 1981, but continued to dedicate her life to her Catholic faith. She served as a first grade teacher at St Pius X School from 1980 to 2000, retiring at age 70. She led the Nativity play at Christmas Eve Mass every year, which included a Little Drummer Boy solo.

Barbara's greatest joy was meeting her grown first graders. Also very special to her were the 10 years she acted as a caregiver to Reverend Monsignor Dino Riccomini, who suffered from Parkinson's.

Barbara loved to read, listen to music and ponder certain lines of poetry. She loved Marlon Brando and Robert Redford, Sunday drives and black walnut ice cream, oversized Ralph Lauren sweaters and very hip shoes, The Little Prince and van Gogh's "The Bedroom at Arles." Music and singing were woven throughout her life, from Church classics to Elvis and Willie Nelson.

Our dearest Aunt Barb was unique in all the world. "All grown-ups were once children, but only a few of them remember it" – The Little Prince

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on March 22, 2024 at St Pius X Catholic Church, Mountlake Terrace.  Interment will be at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery.