I wasn't lucky enough to know Barb for an extended period of time like some of you but the time I did know her was unforgettable. She was the epitome of Beta Sigma Phi sisterhood: so gracious; so inclusive; so courageous; so accepting. And, she was all these things in spite of her tragic circumstances. After last year's Online Gathering, I heard from Barb several times with not one word about her illness only love and caring for her fellow sisters. May we all strive to be just like her. My sincere condolences go out to Rex; may peace be with him.
Your Sister,
Karon Cowan,
OLD
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I was just thinking of her the other day as I was preparing to mix some burger and sausage for a meatloaf with my hands. I remember her reaction when she was sent a recipe for meatloaf and asked how to mix and we told her "with your hands" and how utterly appalled she was with that idea. I laughed so hard I had tears of joy. She was truly God's gift to this group. I shall miss her terribly, but think of her often.
Hugs,
Theresa Weaver-OR/WA
OLB
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My memories of Barb are several..The first being the day after I joined OLB and had no idea what an Online chapter would involve...(I barely knew how to get on the internet) I received the most loving, caring welcome from a sister named Barb Hill.. I wish I had saved this letter...because she was exactly what a True BSP should be.
I felt it all the way from Texas to Nevada...I knew that she loved OLB and all of her sisters on that very day...Many times I told her how special she made us all feel, but that was our Mother Barb.
The next memory was entering the Hotel in Denver, and she was right there, she looked at me and I looked at her and we knew who we were...The warm hugs, her smile, the special ways of Barb... And what a gentleman dear Rex is..I will always remember how special that meeting was..She has made my life richer just by knowing her..I will always be thankful that I was able to hug her in person.
Last but not least...Her support when I became OLB President. I was not sure this was the job for me...She gave me such wonderful advice, many emails were exchanged between us and then she told me she would always be there for me, even if she was not here with us. I saved those messages, Dear Barb, and you are right..as I read them over and over, I know you are watching over me..and all of your OLB sisters. As I told you many times..You are my role model...you are a true BSP Sister. I am proud to have known you..Mother Barb
Thank you and I love you
Your BSP/OLB Sister,
Trish Colby-Bush
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I have so many memories of the times I have spent with Barb, that I am not really sure where to begin, but I will share the last afternoon in Denver last summer. Barb and Rex, Vin and I decided to walk to the Molly Brown House. We were concerned that it would be a bit much for her, but she (thoughtful as she always was about others) was more concerned about me and my asthma at that elevation! So the four of us took a leisurely stroll through the streets.....it was further than we thought..........and had a wonderful time chatting all the way. We chatted our way through the gift shop and enjoyed the small flower garden. The photo was taken in the flower garden at the Molly Brown House. The house itself was wonderful......I think we both have a "thing" for historic houses...........and then enjoyed a leisurely stroll back, with a stop at Mickey D's for shakes and nourishment. It was on that afternoon I realized what a wonderful man Rex truly is. Barb had been telling us that for years, but seeing is believing. Thank you Rex, for taking such good care of our Barbara. I will treasure the memory of that kinda private afternoon with just the four of us for those few hours.
Hugs
Liz
OLB
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My memories of Barb Hill goes all the way to 1997 the first On-line Gathering in Atlanta, GA. We were roommates and I could have never asked for a nicer roommate them her. She was such a lady and really helped me to understand Beta Sigma Phi. I didn't know anyone at the On-line Gathering, but once I met Barb, it didn't matter as she took me under her wing and was always there. She called me from Texas when I had such a time with my son.
Barb has her angel wings now and I know she will watch over all of us for a long time. I feel so blessed that I knew her for such a short time, but my life was has been better for her friendship.
Beta Love
Janet Willis
OLA, Cocoa, FL
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Mother Barb's inspiring words lead me to join OLB. I feel so blessed to have known her and will miss her!!!
Stephanie Campbell, Ft. Knox, KY
OLB
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I will always cherish being beside Barbara last year in Denver during closing ritual, holding her hand for the Mizpah. So much to process that weekend, but she game me much strength. She understood. But, I always smile when I remember Barbara at our first On-Line Gathering in Atlanta. We were all ready to shop and meet each other, face to face, for the first time. So much laughter, so much fun.
We all had so much fun at the gift exchange and everything Barbara had "was ugly and we would not want it!" as she told us and hid it behind her feet under her chair! But it usually was the gift the next person or so wanted, so, she would lose it and being a "Sport" had to choose another gift to see if she could keep this one. Barbara was a sport and we really began a friendship and a journey to places we never imagined.
I will miss you, my Dearest Barbara, my little angel from Texas. Your "Sunflower" from Florida will be looking up this summer in full bloom to see your smiling face shining down on me with your love, guidance and strength.
Your loving sister,
Ellen
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I've always thought of our dear Barb as an eagle -- not as a tough old bird. Boy, I can hear Barb laughing now at that one ;-))) but a soul of such tenacity and strength with a special softness to care for those down-covered babies with flesh hunted and ripped for them to survive. Barb was/is my eagle. I grieve for me. I am so sad to think of the memories to come when she won't be there. I rejoice for her to be healed and whole. I hear Barb singing her favorite song at the top of her now-healed lungs, throat, tongue, and mouth. My voice is shaking as I sing with her. The tears are falling, but I rejoice that Barb has completed this journey and has gone Home.
Alice in Phoenix
(((*_*)))
OLB
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