Barbara Colfax Henschel

Barbara (Kay Greene) Colfax Henschel lived life on her own terms. Her list of life experiences is daunting. Born 17 August 1941, as a young girl she was in scouts, was on a varsity volleyball team and was a state champion diver on the high school swim team. She dropped out of high school to get married and to have her daughter. Later she remarried and had three boys. Divorced a second time, she continued to find her way. Just before turning 30 she got her GED and began climbing in the business world. She worked in several areas but eventually became a sought after, self-taught computer programmer. She was flown around the country as an IT instructor. IBM flew her to New York for the introduction of their newest system.

Barbara never met a stranger. She was interested in everyone she met, and she did many interesting things. She was the first woman to be certified to umpire softball in the State of Florida. She was invited to umpire in many tournaments, including the National Slow Pitch Tournament in York, Pa. She was a sky diver, and a volleyball player. She studied Aikido and was an accomplished pool player and bowler. She was a scout leader. She rebuilt the carburetor on Cathy's 442, twice.

Barbara was the quality control inspector for the engines her husband Rick built. She drove their MAC Tool truck when Rick wasn't able. She volunteered for SCCA racing events in technical inspection, timing and scoring. She designed and implemented the SCCA website. She was always innovating. She determined a way to provide results for the driver at race events, a major improvement and much appreciated by the drivers.

Barbara was, above all things, the best mother a son or daughter could ask for. She never failed to be available for any of her children even if it was just to listen. It is her patience and unfailing love that will be missed most of all.

Barbara Passed away peacefully at age 78 on 11 December 2019 in the care of hospice after seven back surgeries, multiple procedures and many years of near constant pain.

She is survived by her husband Rick, her four children Cathy (Rob) Matthews, Dean (Debbie) Colfax, John Colfax, Dan (Michelle) Colfax, and her two step children Deanna and Shane Henschel. She is also survived by her sister Karen Sanders and her brother Tom Greene, her Aunt Mary Emma Fey, her cousins Nancy Hilton, Kathleen Melville, Stephanie Fey, Luke Tomasovich (dec), Mark Tomasovich, Ann Cates and Gail Leddy. She has 11 grandchildren: Karla (dec), Drew, Thomas, Jonathon, Jessica, Megan, Kayla, Sidney, Johnny, Jake, Zach and 11 great grandchildren.

She is missed.