Barbara Eiche Dare

Barbara was born February 18, 1944 in Sherman, Texas and then moved to Tyler, Texas in 1950. She was the oldest of four children born to John and Delphine Eiche. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1962, and then attended the University of Texas in Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Special Honors in Plan II in 1966. Following graduation she worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Beginning as an Applications Programmer, and then moving to Technical Support, Barbara’s duties and responsibilities gradually increased and in 2003 she retired after more than 37 years as an IT Specialist.

Throughout her life she enjoyed music, theatre, sewing, cooking, writing and traveling. She was fond of attending Zilker Hillside Theatre, watching classic movies at the Paramount, cooking with family during holidays, taking her dog on walks, traveling to various domestic and international locations for work or to visit family, and corresponding with a life-long pen pal of 58 years, Pauline Blakey of Knutsford, England. She was also a long-time member of Westlake United Methodist Church, serving as part of the church community for more than thirty years. However, her greatest passion was photography. She was often seen at many social gatherings, especially her children’s various school and athletic activities, with a camera in hand and a smile on her face. She loved capturing the moment and creating photo albums to ensure that her family experiences turned into memories for a lifetime.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John and Delphine Eiche and brother, David Eiche, all of Tyler. She is survived by her son, Brian Dare, his wife, Michele and their children Tyler, Trevor and Jennifer Dare of Austin; and her daughter, Jeffie Dare LaJoie, her husband, Lt. Colonel Mark LaJoie and their children Natalie and Benjamin LaJoie of Burke, Virginia. She is also survived by the father of her children, Clint Dare.

Other survivors include her sister, Karen Eiche Stiles of Dallas and her sons Marcus, John and Allen Stiles of Dallas, Andrew Stiles of Yellowstone, Wyoming, and Matthew Stiles of Tyler; and her brother John Eiche, Jr., his wife, Sharon and their son Zachary Eiche of Tyler. Those also left behind to cherish her memory include extended relatives, community and church friends, and former co-workers.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice Austin, especially Colleen and Mary Jane; and Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Residence, especially Tabitha; as well as other nurses and caregivers that have assisted Barbara throughout this difficult journey.

Above all, Barbara was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother to her two children and five grandchildren. Gramma will be forever missed and never forgotten.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, January 22, at Westlake United Methodist Church, 1460 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746, with Reverend Lynn Barton officiating. Interment will follow at Remembrance Gardens, 4214 Capital of TX Hwy, N Austin, TX 78746.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Barbara Eiche Dare may be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759 or Westlake United Methodist Church.