Barbara Laine

Barbara Laine, 75, of El Prado, died April 16 from pancreatic cancer. Originally from southern New Jersey, Barb earned a B.A. in music from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and was skilled at playing flute and piano and as a singer.

A Taos area resident since 1971, Barb was active in the Taos Community Chorus, choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Taos and St. James Episcopal Church, and Taos Flute Choir. She worked in retail sales and the arts, in administration at Taos Valley School, and as a draftsman in land surveying. Barb also co-wrote well over a dozen travel guidebooks with husband Don.

Barb enjoyed travel, especially exploring the western United States and Canada, and soaking in New Mexico’s hot springs. She was active in the non-profit Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, and was a former board member, treasurer, secretary, and president. She also produced the organization’s newsletter with husband Don, maintained its website, and for many years helped organize the group’s annual conferences.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Sandy and Don Boone. Survivors include Barb’s husband of almost 52 years Don Laine, goddaughters Marty Schantz of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Gretchen Schantz of Tucson, Arizona (both Taos natives) and Sarah Norman of Lawrence, Kansas, plus top dog Zoe.

In her final days, Barb wrote:

“I’ve had a good life. I have no regrets and have been blessed with an ever-expanding circle of truly special friends. You have all been here for me and I appreciate all the love and support that has surrounded me these past months. It has been uplifting. Thank you all. I love you.”

A memorial service is planned Tuesday, May 9, at 10 a.m. at Golden Willow Retreat in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico (www.goldenwillowretreat.org).

Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers, c/o Maryann Gaug, 596 W. Coyote Dr., Silverthorne, Colorado 80498-9212 (https://rmowp.org) or a charity of your choice.