Barb was born on May 25, 1943 in Hastings, Nebraska to Russell and Catherine Culbertson and spent much of her childhood in the Kansas City, Missouri Area.
Barb attended the University of Illinois for a time before attending the radiology technologist school at St Joseph Hospital in Kansas City. After becoming an x-ray tech, Barb and a few of her close friends packed up in a VW bus, drive the ALCAN Highway to Alaska, and headed for Valdez to work in the local hospital after the 1964 earthquake had devastated the town. She served the town as a x-ray tech for over 30 years.
While in Valdez, Barb met Steve Guest. The two married and had three daughters, Drina Tamryn and Stephanie. Barb and Steve lived in Valdez for almost 50 years until Steve passed away and Barb move to Traverse City, Michigan.
Barb was a lover of animals, music, home crafts and the arts. From the time she was young she was seldom without a pet; whether it be a bird, cat or dog. Barb loved to sing in community and church choirs as well as play the hand bells, piano and organ for her church. In her high school years, she played the double bass in the local orchestra. As a young wife Barbara created clothes, curtains, and other useful items for her family as well as tended extensive flower and vegetable gardens, often growing them from seed.
Barbara was an adventuresome spirit. Her youthful trip to Alaska attests to that, but so does the family trips to Hawaii, the 6-week family journey across most of the western US in 1984, numerous trips from Alaska to the “Lower 48” and, more recently, several trips to Europe. She had recently spent time at Stonehenge and visiting castles ruins, which is just another example of her will to experience new places.
Barbara will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Barb was preceded in death by her father, Russell; her bother, Lawrence; and her former husband Steve. She leaves behind her mother, Catherine; three daughters and their husbands, Drina (Ian Aspland) Guest, Tamryn (Paul) Mond, and Stephanie (David) Gildersleeve; as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her interment and graveside service will be at Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri on August 12th at 3:00 PM and a celebration of Life will occur in Valdez, Alaska at a later date to be determined. Donations in her memory can be made to Silver Muzzle Cottage in Rapid City, Michigan.
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