Barbara Lynn Welz, 86, resident of Columbus, New Mexico, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017, at her home.

Barbara was born January 5, 1931, to Vivian Buelah Attaway and Robert Wesley Welz in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Milby High School in Houston and attended South Texas Law School, graduating in 1956 as an Attorney at Law. Barbara practiced law for 20 years in Dallas with the firm, Welz, Anderson, Rayburn and Peters.

In 1976 the Lord called Barbara to preach. She left her law practice in 1977 to study Hebrew, and she moved to Israel as an immigrant in 1981 and became a citizen in 1983. Barbara learned to read, write and speak Hebrew and read the Bible in Hebrew. She returned to America in 1991, living in Red River, New Mexico.

Barbara met her life partner Deborah Jane Olliver in 1994. They were married August 31, 2013, in Columbus, NM. In 1998 Barbara passed the New Mexico Bar exam and retired from law in 2004. Barbara held Sabbath services in her home, Song in the Night Church, for the next 12 years.

Barbara is survived by her spouse, Deborah Jane Olliver of the home and her siblings, Robert Wesley Welz Jr. and Nancy Evelyn Welz.

Barbara always wanted to be remembered as the Pastor who said, "Read your Bible!".

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory. A memorial service will be held at a later date.