Barbara (Collier) Walter (1918 - 2014)

Born Dec 1918 in Lompoc, California, United States

Wife of Edwin Ralph Walter — married 2 Aug 1961 in San Luis Obispo, California

Died 6 Aug 2014 at age 95 in Cambria, San Luis Obispo County, California, United States

Biography

Obituary

Barbara Helen was born in December 1918 on the Hollister Ranch in Lompoc. When not working on the Ranch, she loved to walk and ride horseback through the hills. After high school, Barbara Helen spent a year working in town, taking flying lessons and playing tennis. While at college, she met her first husband, James Reldon Dunlap. They were married in 1940 and lived in the Simi and Pomona Valleys. They were blessed with two sons, James Reldon, Jr. and Robert Donovan. During World War II Barbara Helen worked as an inspector for the Pomona Pump Company and as a graphic artist; painting insignias on ambulances and airplanes for the U.S. Armed Forces. In 1945, Barbara and James moved to Cambria. Barbara Helen worked as a bookkeeper/teller at the Bank of America for two decades. In 1952, they welcomed their daughter, Dawn Marie. Barbara Helen and James Reldon divorced in 1958. Barbara Helen married San Luis Obispo native, Edwin Ralph Walter in 1961. They were well suited; working side by side, as well as, enjoying the beauty and bounty of the Filos and Walter Ranches in Cambria, Harmony and the Carrizo Plain, hunting and fishing together in both San Luis Obispo County and Colorado and entertaining many friends at their roundups and parties. Edwin died in September 1986. Barbara Helen continued to operate the Walter Ranch on Santa Rosa Creek Road with her daughter. Barbara Helen was renowned as a marvelous cook, gracious hostess and generous friend. She served on the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury during its 1983- 1984 term. She was an active member in the following organizations: Women's Athletic Club of Cambria Pines, El Pinal Parlor No. 163 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Mildred Amsel Auxilliary of Children's Home Society, Amigos de Los Ninos, North Coast Farm Center of the California Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Women's Committee, San Luis Obispo County Cattlewomen's and Cattlemen's Associations. Barbara Helen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She died on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 in her home on the Ranch. She was predeceased by her son, James Reldon, Jr., her grandson, Robert Donovan, Jr. and her eight siblings. Barbara Helen is survived by her son, Robert Donovan and her daughter, Dawn Marie. She also leaves five grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many friends. Barbara Helen will be honored at a private funeral. Memorial donations may be sent to the Old Santa Rosa Chapel and Cemetery Committee P.O. Box 316 Cambria, Calif. 93428.

Published in San Luis Obispo Tribune on Aug. 14, 2014

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