Barbara Ruth Gardsbane was born October 28, 1949 in Longview, TX. She grew up in Shreveport, LA with parents, Paul and Lolly; brother, Joe; and sister, Susan. There were many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents around, and most social events were really family gatherings.

Barbara graduated from Byrd High School in Shreveport, attended Northwestern University in Natchitoches, LA for two years, then transferred to North Texas State University in Denton, TX, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1971.

After her father Paul, died in 1972, Barbara stayed in Shreveport to help her mother, Lolly. She worked for the Welfare Department in Bossier City, eventually moving to New Orleans, where she worked for the Housing Authority of New Orleans, and later for the US Department of HUD (Housing and Urban Development).

Barbara loved living in New Orleans, the food, the friends, and the vibe. She loved finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants. She was a wonderful tour guide and showing her guests all the wonderful things about the city and surrounding area. After many years of apartment living, she bought her first house in Gretna, across the Mississippi River from New Orleans.

Barbara did not, however, love being chased out of town by hurricanes. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Barbara stayed with Joe's family in Flower Mound, TX, for several months. She was there long enough to let her hair go gray.

When Barbara retired in 2015, she decided to move to Flower Mound. She wanted to be in the same city as Joe, his wife Frances, their children Michelle and husband Barry, and Paul and wife Audrey, and their children Ethan and Grace. While the food scene wasn't that interesting, it was an easy choice between family and no hurricanes! Barbara bought a house 1 mile from Joe and Frances and helped with carpooling for the grandkids and shopping for Frances. She was also active with the Flower Mound Senior Center.

Barbara had many good friends that she had worked with in New Orleans. Many of them liked to go to the beach. Even after moving to Flower Mound, Barbara, Elizabeth, and Tootie would make regular trips to sit in the sun at some beach along the Gulf of Mexico.

Barbara did love to shop--clothes, shoes, food, shoes, craft fairs, shoes, holiday presents, whatever was needed. She was Susan's personal shopper. Susan may not be able to buy any more clothes without her!

Barbara had ongoing health issues, but she rarely talked about them. Her friends have said she was a great listener, rarely talking about herself. But she could be counted on for empathetic and often unique perspectives.

Barbara died at home on June 19, 2025. She had just returned from a visit with Susan and Michael in Snohomish, WA, and an Alaska cruise with Elizabeth. Though she didn't feel well on the cruise, she didn't want to go home early. Barbara lived as she wanted, right to the end.