Barbara Jane Voorhies

Barbara J. (Ottman) Voorhies, 92, died peacefully on the morning of October 15, 2024 while holding hands with Bill, her beloved husband of over 71 years. Over the last year of Barbara's life, with courage and grace that was an example to her family and friends, Barbara had been dealing with the effects of two separate serious medical conditions.

Barbara Jane Ottman was born near Watertown, in upstate New York, on February 19, 1932. Shortly after Barbara's birth, her parents, Joseph and Hazel (Mason) Ottman, moved to the area around Niagara Falls, NY to find work and to be closer to family. While times were sometimes tough for the family during the Great Depression, in keeping with her positive outlook on things, Barbara had many very fond memories of this phase of her life.

In Barbara's early teens, her father took a job that resulted in the family moving to Ashtabula, OH. The move was particularly consequential for Barbara because it was in Ashtabula, as a young woman, that she first met her future husband, William Voorhies.

Barbara was a good and serious student who enjoyed balancing school, work and social activities. During her secondary school years, through her involvement in school choirs, Barbara developed a lifelong love for music. She also enjoyed dancing, going to movies, and being a good friend to others. Barbara graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1950 and completed one year of college at Kent State University.

While Barbara and Bill spent a great deal of time together during their secondary school years, their life pursuits did, for a time, often take them in different directions. Barbara and Bill never lost track of each other, however, and they were married in Ashtabula on July 2, 1953, while Bill was home on military leave. Barbara joined Bill in England for the final portion of his military service; a time that they both enjoyed so much that England became a regular travel destination later in their married life.

Upon returning to Ohio, Barbara began perfecting her skills as a homemaker, for which she had both a gift and a passion. Barbara and Bill welcomed daughter Robin in 1955, son Mark in 1959, and daughter Rebecca in 1966. Barbara's greatest joy in life came from caring for her family—she was a wonderful wife and mother. She also loved watching as the "family tree" expanded through the birth of five beloved grandchildren and seven beloved great-grandchildren. Large family gatherings always brought great joy to Barbara.

Barbara also enjoyed a number of other things during her life, including spending time with family and friends, sewing and stitchery, attending church, playing cards, playing golf, attending performing arts events, and travelling. In all of these pursuits, her pleasant and gentle demeanor, and her perpetually positive outlook on life, always made it fun for others to be around her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother and father, a brother, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter--all of whom she loved dearly. Barbara is survived by her husband and three children, 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sister and brother-in-law, and other extended family and dear friends—all of whom are going to miss her very much.

In keeping with Barbara's wishes, a simple memorial service was held on Sunday, October 20 at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins. Interment was in First Presbyterian's columbarium. No other funeral services are planned.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations of any amount to a hospice provider in your local area, such as AccentCare in Fort Collins, would have been appreciated by Barbara.