Barbara Mullard

1929 - 2016

Barbara Mullard

September 24, 1929

May 19, 2016

Barbara Jean Mullard, age 86, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, May 19, 2016.

She was born in Glendale, California (third generation). From her earliest years, Barbara was a true Southern California girl. She enjoyed life to its fullest, spending summers at Hermosa Beach with friends and family, particularly delighting in the closeness of her grandparents. At 17 she entered the business world with motivation that was remarkable. She learned quickly and became a force to be reckoned with as an independent and successful business woman in a decidedly man's world.

Barbara was the right hand to producer Henry Saperstein in Beverly Hills. She sold real estate, modeled, drove race cars on occasion, and started countless businesses. . . always seeing new opportunities.

She moved to Lake Tahoe in the early sixties, fell in love with the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and never looked back. Two well-known local companies, Northern Stone Supply and Fireplace Distributors of Nevada, benefitted from her business and organizational skills.

Barbara was a natural leader and teacher. She was devoted to her community and had clear ideas about improving it. She founded Women Alone in Christ, taught numerous Bible studies, and began a group lecture series named The Gathering. In later years, she volunteered as a T.A. at Bailey Charter School.

Her deepest love was for God and His Son, Jesus Christ. She pointed the way to heaven for many. She also appreciated different religious traditions and would often attend other churches and synagogues around Reno.

Barbara was a faithful friend with deep, long-lasting friendships. They meant the world to her and brought her unlimited joy. Many have recounted the impact she had on their lives, often helping them through difficult times.

Barbara had an exceptional sense of humor. Given her definitive way of seeing the world, she managed to simultaneously shock her listeners and convulse them in laughter. She loved games and puzzles and was great company whenever she was so engaged. She inherited a deep love for jazz music from her mother. Gene Harris was her favorite musician, and good jazz would prompt Barbara to close her eyes, transporting her to her youth, when she played keyboard, had her own band, and knew personally or had heard in person many of the jazz greats of that era.

Barbara was lovingly and beautifully cared for in her last year by Comfort Keepers and then Stone Valley Alzheimer's Center. Special friends, including many at The River Church, visited her faithfully and encouraged her as her mental and physical health failed.

Barbara is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Her departure from this world left a void in many hearts. She will be greatly missed.