We regret to inform all of the Alumni and the class of 1971 that Barbara Anne Rychlik Daniels Drifmeyer, 62, of Bedford, passed away on January 20, 2016 at her residence after a very courageous battle with breast cancer.

Barb was born on September 30, 1953 in Holyoke, MA a daughter of the late Maj. Stanley Joseph Rychlik and Esther Howarth Whittaker Rychlik.

Barb earned her associates degree in management while working full-time as office manager at a local Toyota dealership. She remarried Barrett Drifmeyer in 2002.

Barb retired in 2013 to a place she fell in love with, the slopes of Sharp Top Mountain and the Peaks of Otter. Many people would be fearful of a bear at their front door! Barb calmly spoke to them. A child of the earth she was. She loved wilderness, hiking, fishing, her motorcycle, sports car, singing, her loving grandsons, and her Native American culture.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Barrett “Barr” Drifmeyer; her daughter, Stephanie Nohilly and her husband, Scott; also her grandsons, Dylan and Tyler Nohilly.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Barb’s memory please consider The American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106 A, Roanoke, VA 24018, (540)-774-2716.

Barb will have cremains spread over her favorite place on her land; a meditation spot on the north knoll, where a small, Native American service will take place at a later date.

To send condolences online please visit

http://tharpfuneralhome.com/funeralpress/?id=1079

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 320 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523, is assisting the family.