Barb Elder

In 2013, Barb and her husband Dennis moved to the Ranch property and served at Bethel Ridge Retreat, which was a mile up the hill from the Ranch. While there, they became very interested in the ministry of the Flying H. Their interest in, heart for, and desire to serve at the Ranch grew and in November 2017 they became full time volunteers at the Ranch. Dennis worked with maintenance around the Ranch and Barb worked in the office. Dennis’ time at the Ranch was short as he contracted a fast-moving cancer. He passed away in January 2019. Barb desired to continue to serve at the Ranch and was allowed to stay as a widow and full-time volunteer. Barb serves as the general office manager. She is often the first person families talk to who are searching for a placement for their son. She loves telling people about the Ranch and listening to the challenges they are facing and offering hope for them. Most calls end with praying for the family who has called. 

Barb grew up in a minister’s family and developed a heart for service at a young age. She has spent her adult life serving in various capacities in churches, from doing the janitorial work to being head of the worship committee, teaching children’s and youth Sunday School, women’s ministries, youth ministry, choir, and serving as the church secretary. She and Dennis together led several backpacking camps for Jr. High aged youth and served on a church camp board for many years. 

Barb loves being out in God’s great and varied creation, from enjoying the ever changing ocean or taking in the amazing views from mountaintops, the beauty of the dry desert or the power of waterfalls as they cascade down. Along with enjoying nature, Barb loves photography, quilting (traditional and art quilts), laughter, tea parties and dark chocolate.

Barb has four, now adult, children – two biological and two adopted – and one granddaughter. She has experienced many similar challenges with her children that many families who have their boys at the Ranch are dealing with and has a heart for these hurting families. Her desire is to serve for many years at the Ranch, but more importantly to serve and be wherever God calls her, until He calls her home.