Barbara Ruth Lorch

Barbara Ruth Lorch (Day) passed away on December 16, 2008 at Westminster Village after a long illness. On-campus memorial services were Jan. 22.

Barbara was born September 30, 1924 in Pendleton, Oregon, the daughter of George Washington Day and Ruth Irene Day (Spangler). She grew up in Eureka, Montana, just a few miles from the Canadian border.

An accomplished scholar, Barbara graduated from Washington State University summa cum laude in 1946 with a degree in psychology, and earned her master’s degree in sociology from the same institution in 1947. Barbara completed her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Washington in 1956. She was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

After receiving her master’s degree, Barbara began her career as a college professor. She taught sociology at a number of universities in the western United States, including Arizona State University, the University of Montana, California State University at Long Beach, and, for most of her professional life, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She retired as an emeritus professor in 1991.

Barbara married Robert Lorch on December 19, 1964; He also was a member of the UCCS political science faculty. They were married for 38 years. Barbara was a loving wife and a caring mother and grandmother. She was a bright, fun-loving person who enjoyed animals, poetry, outdoor activities, exercise, and sports.

Survivors include her sister, Mary Louise Day; son, John Lorch; daughter in law, Crystal Lorch; and two grandchildren, Carolyn Lorch and Robert Lorch.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Donations to honor Barbara’s memory can be made to the Colorado University Foundation, P.O. Box 7150, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.