Barbara Ann Rowand

Barbara Ann Rowand of Young Harris, GA died August 2, 2024 at home, surrounded by family. Born October 5, 1945 to Carl F. Rudder and Betty Sue Slone Rudder, she was preceded in death by them, as well as her sister, Carla Sue Godfrey; brother, Donley H. Rudder; nephew, David Rudder; and niece, Natalie Rudder Childs.

She is survived by sister, Mary Rose Joyner; brother, Daniel Rudder (Denise); sister-in-law, Lynne Rudder; nieces, Elizabeth Rudder, Lindsey Joyner, and Lauren Joyner; nephews, Paul Varner, and Andy Rudder; great nieces, Autumn Rudder, Briggs Rudder, Kate Rudder, Bella Rose Childs, and Lily-Ann Childs.

She also leaves behind god children, Tassie and Nicholas Kirbac; and a very special group of "bead ladies," Amy, Jamie, and Sam. She was happy at Birdsong Bead Store with Kevin and Billy, where she was treated as family. She will be greatly missed by her mountain lion of a cat, Cookie.

Born in Florida to a father training pilots, She grew up in Stevenson, AL. At the age of thirteen, when her mother died, the family moved to Marietta, GA, so her father could return to active duty at Dobbins Airforce Base. The eldest of five, she was in charge when her father was away flying misson trips during the Cuban Crisis and many other events. Barbara held many different jobs over her lifetime, one of which was in Rotterdam Holland, where she learned Dutch. Later, returning to Marietta, GA, she retired as manager of Red Foxe, a blood dispatcher in 2012. Surprisingly, she had blood dispensed to a Columbus hospital, only to find out it was going to her brother when he was in a boating accident where a boat ran over him, losing his hand.

Barbara was the glove that held the very independent family together. She insisted that all Christmas gatherings were held at her house and gave presents showcasing her many talents. We were all recipients of her afghans, quilts, handmade glass bowls, stained glass, and finally, her bead jewelry.

She moved to Young Harris with her brother and sister-in-law to help raise her "precious girls," Bella Rose and Lily-Ann. She is fondly remembered as "BaBa."

Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A private service will be held at the Rudder Cemetery in Stevenson, AL.