Barbara was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Ralph Edward and Edna Pearl Bemis. She later moved to Bellingham, Washington, where she attended Bellingham High School. While in school she participated in many musical programs until graduation. She then attended Western Washington University where she met her husband, Dick Riehl. Soon after they were married Barbara and Dick moved to Tacoma, Washington, where their four children: Bobbi Lynne Kempkes, Allison Punteney (Pat), Missy Bruce (Mike), and Rich Riehl (Debby) were born. After leaving Tacoma, they moved to Bellingham where Dick went back to school for his teaching degree, and Barbara worked for JC Penny's in downtown Bellingham.

After Dick's graduation in 1966 the family moved to Concrete, Washington. Barbara then went to work at the State Bank of Concrete and later to Seattle First National Bank in Sedro Wooley where she retired.

After many years in Concrete, they moved to Grand Coulee, Washington, to enjoy retirement, sun, gardening, collecting walnuts and zucchini for her famous zucchini bread. Barbara also was a lay person for the United Methodist Church in Grand Coulee.

Barbara was preceded in death by her four siblings: Marge Woods, Ralph Bemis, Norm Bemis, and Jim Bemis, along with her husband Dick Riehl of 67 years.

Barbara is survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Allen Methodist Church, or Hospice of Skagit Valley.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday January 28th, 2023, at Allen United Methodist Church 16775 Alen West Rd., Bow Washington 98232.