Barbara was born in Pendleton, Oregon, but was raised in Walla Walla, Washington. She met Emmons Blake at Antioch College in Ohio and they were married in 1944. They lived in the San Diego area while Emmons served in the U.S. Navy, then moved to San Luis Obispo in order for him to complete his studies at Cal Poly. They raised 3 children and established Blake Printery. Barbara was very active in the community and was a wonderful at-home Mom. She lived in San Luis Obispo for 65 years before moving to Gilroy to live next door to her youngest child, Jodi.

Barbara and Emmons started a second career after retirement as center managers with FEMA. They ran disaster relief from Guam to Pennsylvania to Louisiana. They even worked the earthquake here in Gilroy in 1989!

Barbara was a world traveler, usually with Emmons, but often also with her children. When she could no longer ride an elephant, she delighted in cruises to Antarctica and Alaska.
Mother loved to learn and experience new things and she lived a long and happy life. She was an extraordinary role model for us all.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Jodi (Ric) Heinzen of Gilroy, and from San Luis Obispo, daughter Diana (John) Barnhart and son Richard (Arleen) Blake. Her grandchildren Bryan (Juliet) Barnhart of Berkeley, Brandon Barnhart of Florida, Randy (Jenny) Heinzen of Templeton, Jeff (Afton) Heinzen of Reno, 1st Lt. Melissa Blake of N. Carolina and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmons, of 63 years and her sister Marjean Henry Seney.

A memorial service will be held in San Luis Obispo on a future date.