07282014Mon
Last updateFri, 25 Jul 2014 3pm

Obituary – July 5, 2014

Barbara Culp Prince passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on June 29 at the age of 66.

Born October 28, 1947 in Caripito, Venezuela, Prince got to travel extensively and live abroad while growing up, following her father who worked in the oil industry. After graduating from Wheelus High School in Tripoli, Libya, Prince worked at the Air Force Base Commissary for a number of years. She then moved back to the United States and attended secretarial school in Lakeland, Florida.

After graduation Prince rejoined her family in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. There she met and married Bernard Allen Prince. After several years they moved to Lakeside.

Prince was active with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 7 and a number of other charitable organizations. She was honored as Humanitarian of the Year in 1993, and Woman of the Year in 1995 for her work fundraising, contributions, and many years of service to the Casa de Ancianos in Chapala.

In 1999, Prince became the first “Salsa Queen” from the United States in the town of San Antonio Tlayacapan. Until she retired from the Auxiliary in 2013 due to health issues she could be found most days on the patio of the Legion, at her favorite table, visiting with friends, organizing events and enjoying life.

Prince is survived by her sisters Carol Smith. of Annapolis, Md., and Debbie Martin of Loxahatchee, Fl.; and sister in law Martha Culp of Lakewood, Co.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, July 31, 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 7 in Chapala.