Barbara Nancy Strong passed peacefully away on January 8, 2013 after bravely battling cancer for the past year.  Barbara was born on August 6, 1936 to Merritt and Stella Wemple in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  She was the youngest of three children.  She moved with her family to South Pasadena as a young girl and graduated from South Pasadena High School.  She received her degree from Pasadena City College.

Barbara married Richard Strong in 1959.  They made their home for many years in the Pasadena area.  In 1964, her only daughter Cindy was born.  In 1994, after Richard retired, they moved to Salem, Oregon.  As a homemaker, Barbara was very cherished by her family and brought them joy.  She will be remembered for her faith, love of family, animals, and music.  She had been a member of the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem.  Her sense of humor and grace were present until her death.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard; their daughter Cindy Low and her husband Steve Low; and three grandsons, all from Salem.

Statesman Journal, January 12, 2013