Obituary of Barbara Peterson Rhiger

Barbara Peterson Rhiger passed away peacefully on September 22, 2019 at the age of 88. She was born on August 20, 1931 in Lake Mills, Iowa the second of four children of Russell and Clara Peterson. Barbara grew up in Iowa and had many fond memories of her childhood. Barbara learned to play the clarinet while in elementary school and enjoyed playing in the concert and marching bands through out her school years. Her grandmother taught her how to sew and she continued to make beautiful outfits for her family until she was no longer able. Her mother was a great baker, which she passed along to Barbara. Barbara met her future husband, Harold Rhiger, on a blind date and they were married three months later in November 1953. They moved to Alexandria, VA and welcomed two daughters, Karen and eighteen months later Jayne. They built the home they always wanted in Annandale, VA moving there in 1958, where Barbara resided until her death. Barbara was a stay at home mom attending her daughter’s numerous activities. She loved photography and traveling. Family trips were taken each year to visit family in the mid-west or to her favorite beach, Myrtle Beach, SC. Disney World was also one of her favorite locations visiting it often. Barbara was thrilled to become a grandmother. Her granddaughter’s brought her so much joy and happiness. She loved the sporting events, music activities, and just spending time with them. She also enjoyed teaching them to sew and bake as her mother and grandmother did with her. Barbara loved her church, Friendship United Methodist Church, attending there for 61 years until it was no longer possible. She enjoyed all the activities helping when ever possible. She attended the women’s group, the weekly bible study and serviced on various committees. Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Karen Rhiger of Annandale, VA, Jayne Hoblin and her husband Mark of Gainesville, VA, her two granddaughters, Nicole Hoblin and her daughter, Corie, of Amissville, VA, Allison Furr and her husband Dale and their children, Gavin, Ethan and Brecken, of Midland, VA, her sister Karen Younggreen and husband Jerry of Broomfield, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, Harold Rhiger, and her two brothers, Roger Peterson and Dean Peterson, preceded her in death. Services were previously held. Donations may be made to Friendship United Methodist Church, 3527 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 or in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.