Barbara Louise Rall

Barbara Louise Gebhardt Nottage Rall, born July 14, 1930, in Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully after a life marked by curiosity, humor, and a spirit for adventure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Cecile (Kurten) Gebhardt; her brother, William, and sister-in-law, Necoletta and by her husbands Albert Nottage and Robert Rall. At the center of her life were her daughters, Catherine Nottage (Allan McLennan) and Christine Nottage (Steve Wainstead), who knew her best and learned early on to keep up with her. She was a constant presence in her grandson Gage's life. Barbara is also remembered by her nieces and nephews: Thomas Gebhardt; Timothy Gebhardt (Catherine); Charles Wurts (Michelle); James Wurts (Jennifer); Donn Wurts (Jamie); Greg Nottage (Romie); Lynette Agnew (John); and David Nottage, along with many great-nieces and nephews. In her later years she married Robert "Bob" Rall and cherished becoming part of his warm and welcoming family.

Barbara's life took her from Wisconsin to New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, back to Ohio, and finally to North Carolina, building lasting friendships wherever she went.

Music was a lifelong joy—she sang in choirs for many years and once toured with a small all-female group. She loved being active, playing volleyball, swimming, and ice skating. She especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Barbara was an avid bridge player, playing and winning well into her 95th year. She also loved card games, and learned to play Catan in her 90s, often beating her family. She loved to cook, though her family joked she was equally skilled at "making reservations."

Barbara attended Huron Road Nursing School and worked at the Cleveland Clinic in its early years. Barbara also had a bold streak: she raced sports cars for a time and once met Paul Newman at the track. Her creative side showed in the two homes she designed and built.

She was an active member of the Edgewater Yacht Club, frequently sailing to the islands and to Canada, and was a member of the Cleveland Garden Club. Aside from raising her family, she had a career with Albert, running his various businesses and later in life returned to working in medicine with doctors' offices. She was a committed volunteer over the years with the Cleveland Free Clinic, VA Speech Center, and the Christ Child Society.

Barbara will be remembered for her quick wit, easy laughter, kindness, and ability to lift the spirits of those around her—especially her friends at the OC. One of her final reflections summed it up best: "We've had a good run."
She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will take place in California, date to be determined. Barbara loved all animals, especially rescues and her pets, and cared deeply about causes that helped them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Humane Society of Charlotte.

https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/?form=FUNSSGRKKYW