Friends of Jeri Barr
August 27, 2019
As Candlelight Ranch celebrates our 20th Anniversary, we want to honor the life and legacy of Co-founder, Jeri Barr. Jeri was instrumental in the conception and initial vision of Candlelight Ranch. She helped organize the first Board of Directors and served as President of the Board for five years. She was instrumental in establishing the early programs and facilities and building relationships with organizations in the community. In March 2002, while reflecting on her experiences at the retreat, she wrote, “I am always amazed at how the people visiting the ranch give more to me than I ever could imagine giving to them.”
After losing both of her parents at a young age, she aspired to never take life for granted and to live life with gratitude, purpose, kindness, and meaning. She hoped that she could use her life to leave the world a better place, and Candlelight Ranch gave her an outlet for that mission. In October 2004, she wrote in her journal about Candlelight Ranch, “I feel very blessed to meet all these wonderful people. I am humbled by their generosity and encouraged by their strength.”
In 2007, after spending years working with individuals who were struggling with life-threatening illnesses, Jeri was diagnosed with breast cancer and successfully went into remission prior to her death on May 5, 2008. Jeri was 51 years old, and true to her joyful nature, she arrived on a holiday, July 4th, and left us on a holiday. She believed that every day could be a celebration.
Jeri was a loving wife to Don Barr, adoring mother to Stephanie Johnson, Ashley Cooper, and Carson Barr, caring sister to Cookie Garcia, Larry Sultenfuss, Cheryl Gonzalez, Cathy Parker, Tom Sultenfuss, Joleen Sultenfuss, Mary Montalbo, and Annette Glavan, and a special aunt to all of her many beloved nieces and nephews. She is deeply missed by all, but her spirit remains to love and support those who visit Candlelight Ranch. In July 2002, in reflecting on the children and families at the ranch, she wrote, “I hope some part of the ranch stays with them always.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating and honor Jeri’s legacy at Candlelight Ranch. Your donation to Friends of Jeri Barr will directly benefit the over 1800 families and children of all abilities that visit the ranch annually.
As a Friend of Jeri Barr, your name will be listed on our Friends of Jeri Barr signage and during the Light A Path Event on October 23rd at the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs.
Donations can be made directly through our secure giving portal here
Or by mailing a check to:
Candlelight Ranch
PO Box 26367
Austin, TX 78755
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!