Barbara Willcox

Barbara Jean Willcox was born in Alliance, NE, to Hugh D. and Lila M. Schooley. The family moved to Kemmerer, WY where Barbara spent her formative years. She graduated from St. Mary of the Wasatch High School in Salt Lake City, UT and then attended the University of Missouri, majoring in journalism. Barbara married Pvt. Carl Sandorff in 1959 and moved to Germany where her husband was stationed and first child was born.

In 1967 Barbara lived in Denver, CO and was remarried to William Willcox. The family relocated to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands where they lived for almost a decade. Upon Bill's retirement, the couple moved to Grass Valley in 1985.

Throughout her professional life, Barbara worked as a secretary and bookkeeper. She also volunteered as a literacy tutor in Grass Valley, helping adults improve English language skills and newcomers adjust to American life. Barbara also began a long and rewarding volunteer career as an advocate for the humane treatment of ex-racing greyhound dogs. She provided education to the public at tabling events where her own pet greyhounds would accompany her. Barbara offered hours of consultation to folks considering greyhound adoption, and she worked to place greyhounds in their forever homes. She placed 260 dogs with loving families - including 12 into her own family! - over the years.

Barbara always had a thirst for knowledge and strong curiosity about the world. She loved reading at home in her beloved Sierra Foothills and also traveling afar. She visited many islands in the Caribbean during her life in St. Croix, enjoyed road trips all over the continental US, made trips to France, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Hawaii. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill of 30 years, and is survived by her children Cathryn, Thomas and Laura, her beloved last greyhound Dyna, and many, many friends.

A memorial service is planned for 2024. Tributes may be made to Greyhound Friends for Life at www.greyhoundfriendsforlife.org and Grey2K at www.grey2kusa.org.