Bäerbel Perkins

It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the passing of Baerbel “Barb” Rau Perkins, 86, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, extraordinary civil engineer, and beloved friend. She passed peacefully on March 22, 2026, after losing her battle with dementia, in Henderson, Nevada.

Born in Berlin, Germany, in 1939 and raised in Auerbach, Barb grew up during World War II, an experience that shaped her into the strong, resilient, and stoic woman so many admired. She was raised in the Lutheran church, a foundation of faith that remained an important part of her life. Despite those early hardships, she carried a sharp mind, a warm heart, and a quiet spirit of adventure throughout her life.

As a young girl, Barb traveled to and from school by train each day—a journey that fostered her independence and determination. She went on to pursue her passion for civil engineering at a time when few women entered the field, reflecting both her courage and ambition. Known for her meticulous designs and innovative thinking, Barb contributed to projects that improved transportation systems and public spaces, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she served. In the United States, Barb also helped run and do the bookkeeping for her husband’s dream businesses; together, they built a storage unit and truck depot that became beloved by many. She balanced her professional accomplishments with raising her family, instilling in her children the values she lived by: integrity, perseverance, kindness, and faith.

Fate stepped in when she met the love of her life, Thomas, while he was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Their connection was instant and enduring. After his discharge in the late 1950s, Barb bravely traveled by ship to Buffalo, New York, where they reunited and were married on December 23, 1961, beginning nearly 63 years of love, laughter, and partnership. Tom affectionately called her “Schatz,” a German term of endearment that perfectly captured the depth of their bond.

Her faith remained central throughout her life. She lovingly raised her children in the Lutheran church and, in a selfless act of love, she and Thomas adopted their two children through the Lutheran church—a blessing that shaped their family and reflected her deep compassion and devotion.

Barb found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved tending to her garden, getting lost in a good book, and collecting stamps—a passion she began at just four years old. Each stamp represented a small piece of history she treasured. She also enjoyed playing music and took great delight in letting her grandchildren explore and play with the many instruments she had collected over the years, filling her home with sound and laughter.

She had a deep love for German traditions, especially during the holidays. Christmas was always magical in her home, filled with handmade decorations, cookies baked from scratch, and traditions lovingly passed down through generations. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her Oma—decorating cookies, doing arts and crafts, and creating memories around the table. With a playful spirit, she would tease her grandchildren about “getting the wooden spoon” if they were being naughty—something said with a smile, though her own children, who knew it wasn’t always just a joke when they were growing up.

Barb made delicious homemade meals and truly enjoyed food to the fullest. She never left a crumb on her plate and had a special love for traditional German dishes—and cheesecake was always a favorite indulgence. She also appreciated life’s simple comforts, including her cozy loungewear, heated blanket, and quiet moments at home.

Though she was shaped by a difficult early life, and carried herself with quiet strength, those closest to her knew her deep warmth, steady love, and gentle way of caring for others. Her patience was immeasurable, her attention to detail unmatched, and her presence a constant source of comfort.

Barb will be remembered for her warm laugh, her strength and resilience, her love of family traditions, and the way she made every holiday feel special. She built not only roads and bridges in her career, but also in life; rich in love, purpose, and connection.

Her journey began across an ocean, but her heart found its home in America—from Buffalo, New York, to her final years in Henderson, Nevada, where she built a life centered on family. She was a guiding light to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion.

She is survived by her children, Christine Perkins Erickson (Dan Sauls) and Todd Perkins; her grandchildren, Felicia Tarin (Nicolas) and Chelsea Erickson (Joseph Attinello); and her great-grandchildren, Adelynn and Jaymeson Tarin, Arcadia, Joseph III, and Alaric Attinello. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Perkins; her grandson, Kyle Thomas High; and her parents, Margareta (Gretl) Sofefa Lodes Rau and Hans Georg Walter Rau, sister Brigitte Rau, and brother Hans Rau, all in Germany.

A Celebration of Life for Barb will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the VA Chapel at 8:30 a.m. at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada at 8:30. Following the ceremony, she will be laid to rest there with her late husband, Thomas.

"Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and passion will continue to inspire us all, reminding us to live each day with purpose. Barb will be deeply missed, but her light will shine on forever in our hearts."