Barbara Jean Uhlig, 85, Westport resident of 33 years, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Harbor Regional Health Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington.

Barbara and her husband, Dr. Bennett “Doc” Uhlig retired to Westport in 1989. Upon their retirement, Barbara and Ben continued to be active in running two charter boats, The Outer Limits and The Lady Diana. Barbara volunteered at the Westport Visitor’s Center and helped reorganize the Westport Chamber of Commerce for over eight years.

Barbara was born on Nov. 25, 1937, in Kansas City, Kansas to Colonel Carl W. and Lilian (Tedrow) McKenzie. Barbara graduated from William J. Travis High School in Richmond, Texas in 1955. During one of her several moves due to her father’s occupation, Barbara attended Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas, where she met Ben. They met in band class, and became high school sweethearts, dating for several years.

Barbara went to nursing school and graduated with a nursing degree from Methodist Hospital of Dallas, Texas. Following graduation, Barbara married Ben on July 12, 1959. Barbara worked as a surgical nurse and surgical supervisor, while her husband went to medical school. Ben graduated and was a general practitioner and surgeon. Barbara continued to work for many years as a nurse, taking time off to have two children, then continued nursing until she retired from nursing in 1985.

Barbara enjoyed raising and breeding Quarter horses, Appaloosa horses and black Labrador retrievers. She liked camping and hunting and fishing with her family. She was a longtime member of the Oregon Garden Club.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dr. “Doc” Bennett Uhlig of Westport; a daughter, Cynthia (Clint) Uhlig Kittrell of Pendleton, Oregon; a son, Bradley T. (Heather) Uhlig of Washougal, Washington; grandchildren: Alexandra, Jackson, Cassandra, Carl and Grace; and one great-granddaughter, Willa Mae.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Barbara will be deeply missed.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.