Barbara Ertel

 Retired teacher and community supporter, Barbara Ertel of Cambridge, Idaho passed away peacefully at Salubria Center on Nov. 13, 2023 at the age of 82. After a steady decline, her dimming light flickered out. 

 Barbara was born in New York and lived there through college. 

 After meeting her husband, Peter, on Cape Cod, they followed his Air Force career around the country, where they made many lifelong friends. Discovering their love of the American West, they lived in Las Vegas, Nev., Taos, New Mexico and Cambridge, Idaho. Barbara lived in Cambridge for 34 years after moving with her husband to run their ranch.

 Barbara’s love of family, friends and travel were paramount in her life. Education, whether in the classroom or exploring the world, was her greatest passion. Adventures with friends and family covered all 50 states and 42 countries across 5 continents. 

 As a teacher for 23 years, she influenced many students to pursue their talents and dreams. Giving back was a natural way for her to express her gratitude for the good fortune she enjoyed and she spent many years volunteering for the Upper Country Education Foundation, the Elder Care Coalition of Salubria Center and various community events. She inspired those she met to live life to the fullest and to embrace their curiosity and sense of adventure.

 Barbara is preceded in death by her husband Peter, parents Jim and Gertrude, sister Maureen and brother John. 

 She is survived by her children and their spouses, Corry Mihm (Dave) and Cameron Ertel (Stacey) and her grandchildren, Teddy, Grace and Zoe Ertel.

 A memorial service in her honor will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Cambridge High School gym, followed by lunch in the Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds in Cambridge. 

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ertel family scholarship. Checks made out to Upper Country Education Foundation (with Ertel in the memo line) may be sent to P.O. Box 374, Cambridge, ID 83610.