Barbara Ellen Weber of Ridgway, Colorado, passed away on September 18, 2026, at the age of 79.

Barbara was born in Iowa on January 6, 1947, to Fred and Betty Goddard. She grew up in the beautiful mountain community of Ouray, Colorado, in a small mining town where agriculture was not initially a part of her life. Little did she know that the path her life would take would lead her to develop a deep and lasting passion for agriculture and ranching.

In 1963, Barbara married the love of her life, Richard Weber Sr. Following their marriage, she moved to the Weber Ranch, where she quickly learned the life of ranching. What began as a new and unfamiliar way of life grew into a lifelong passion. Over the years, Barbara became deeply involved in agriculture and embraced the ranching lifestyle with dedication, enthusiasm, and pride.

Ranching brought with it many challenges. The long days, hard work, uncertainty, and demands of the land and livestock tested Barbara in ways she could never have imagined when she first arrived at the ranch. Yet through those challenges, Barbara found something that would become even more important to her than the ranch itself—her faith in Jesus Christ.

As she faced the difficult seasons of ranching and life, Barbara came to know Jesus Christ and found in Him a source of strength, hope, and peace. Her faith became the cornerstone of her life and something she relied upon through both the hardships and blessings she encountered. She carried that faith with her in the way she loved her family, served others, worked the ranch, and faced each new day.

Barbara was not only an important part of the Weber Ranch, but also an active member of the agricultural community. She was a dedicated member of the Montrose Cattlewomen’s Club, where she shared her love and support for ranching and agriculture. She also played an integral role in the effort to make Ouray County a “Right to Farm” county, helping to protect and preserve the agricultural heritage and way of life that had become so meaningful to her.

Together, Barbara and Richard built a life centered around family, hard work, the ranch, faith, and their love for one another. Barbara shared in the work, challenges, joys, and countless memories that came with ranching and raising a family. Her journey from growing up in a small mining town with no agricultural background to becoming a passionate rancher and advocate for agriculture was a testament to her willingness to learn, her determination, and her love for the life she and Richard built together.

Above all, Barbara treasured her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Weber Sr., with whom she shared more than six decades of marriage and a lifetime of memories.

She is also survived by her children, Rich Weber Jr., married to Cricket, and Mandi George, married to Jerry.

Barbara was a proud grandmother to Sarah Smedsrud, married to Tyler; Richard Weber; Jordan Lichthardt, married to Joe; and Jared George, married to Hannah.

Her family continued to grow with her beloved great-grandchildren: Kimber Cook, Samuel McConnell, PJ McConnell, Jake Lichthardt, Lander Smedsrud, and Jesse Lichthardt.

Barbara is also survived by her siblings, Edna (Guy) Goddard, Connie Watson, and Jack Goddard.

Barbara’s greatest legacy is the family she and Richard built together. The Weber Ranch was not simply a place where she lived - it was a place where she built a life, raised a family, worked hard, discovered a passion for agriculture, deepened her faith, and created memories that will be treasured for generations.

Barbara will be remembered for her love, strength, devotion, faith, and commitment to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy not only in the family she loved so dearly, but also in the agricultural community she worked to support and preserve.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Betty Goddard, and her brother, Guy Goddard.

Though Barbara will be deeply missed, her love, faith, dedication, and passion for the land and the ranching way of life will live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched. Her family finds comfort knowing that the faith that sustained her through life's hardest seasons now carries her into eternity.

A Scripture of Hope

Barbara found strength throughout her life in her faith in Jesus Christ. One verse that beautifully reflects the hope and perseverance that came to define her journey is:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

— Isaiah 40:31

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00am at Montrose Christian Church ~ 2351 Sunnyside Road, Montrose, Colorado.

Family and friends are invited to come together to remember Barbara, share stories and memories, and celebrate the remarkable life she lived. A reception with light refreshments will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Barbara Weber to Montrose Cattlewomen's at Citizens State Bank ~ 401 East Main Street, Montrose, CO. 81401

Barbara will be lovingly remembered, deeply missed, and forever cherished by her family, friends, and agricultural community. Her faith, her love, and the life she built will remain a lasting part of the legacy she leaves behind.