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Where Heritage and Life are celebrated.

Barbara Ruth Archer

September 21, 1942 – September 11, 2021

Born in Washington, D.C., on September 21, 1942, Barbara Ruth Weare was the happy only child of David and Ruth Weare of Suitland, Maryland.  Nicknamed “Bobbie”, the young Barbara liked taking tap dancing lessons and, as a teen, marching as a majorette in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and, later, competing in and winning “hand dance” competitions in Ocean City as a young woman.

After graduating from Suitland High School in 1960, Barbara had jobs in a few banks in the area, and at WPGC radio station in D.C.  There, she worked with personalities like Harv Moore and Marv Brooks, and saw bands like Herman’s Hermits and The British Walkers.  A lifelong music lover, she attended concerts at the Howard in D.C. with her first husband, seeing artists like James Brown and Sam & Dave in the Sixties.  By the time that her only son, Glenn Francis Griffith was born in 1967, Barbara was working at the Naval Oceanographic Office in Suitland, Maryland.  During her long career at the Naval Oceanographic Office, Barbara worked as a program coordinator, helping international naval officers attend critical training here in the United States.

Following her divorce from her first husband in the early Seventies, Barbara began dating William Keith Archer, whom she married on June 6, 1978.  Barbara and Keith were married for 43 years, and Barbara became a loved stepmother to Keith’s two daughters from his previous marriage, Pamela Sutton and Linda Ripley.

Following a move with her work to the South, first Mississippi in 1977 and then Louisiana for two more years, Barbara and her family returned to the D.C. area in 1980 to be closer to Barbara’s older parents.  Barbara, along with Keith, worked at the Defense Mapping Agency where she served as a protocol officer.  She retired from the government a few years later, after working at the Coast Guard Headquarters as a public affairs specialist.  In her government positions, Barbara was active in a leadership role in Federally Employed Women (FEW), an advocacy group for women working in the federal government.

After leaving the government, Barbara worked for more than 20 years as a home healthcare coordinator for a series of home healthcare agencies in Southern Maryland.  The work was challenging and demanding, and it kept Barbara engaged as she grew older.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 43 years, William Keith Archer; her son, Glenn Francis Griffith, and his wife and Barbara’s daughter-in-law, Myra Cabe; stepdaughters, Pamela Sutton and Linda Ripley; and grandchildren, Ryan, Chad, and Zachary.

Barbara is remembered for her big heart, love of animals, kind words, and eagerness to care for those around her.  She inspired others to be the best versions of themselves they could be and tried to set a good example for her family of how a woman could live a life of decent, Christian values without being a hypocrite about it.  Her career exemplified her desire to serve, whether it was the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, or local citizens in Calvert County.

Family and friends will gather privately to remember Barbara.  The family asks that donations be made in her name to some of her favorite charities and causes: S.O.M.E.; ASPCA; The House of Ruth; and Democratic candidates in Maryland.

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Sort Comments

    Georgie Nance’s
    14 Sep 2021
    4:19pm

    Glenn,
    Your Mom was a dear, dear friend of mine in high school. We spent hours on the phone talking about everything known to man. She was fun and kind and I was blessed to have known her. I send you and your family my deepest sympathy.
    Georgie Nance ( Ugrinic)

    save
    City
    Mclean
    State
    Virginia
    Reply
    Mark Edwards
    14 Sep 2021
    5:56pm

    So sorry for your loss. My family always saw her as part of our family and we will greatly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the Edwards family.

    save
    City
    Venice
    State
    FL
    Reply
    Jennifer Grove
    15 Sep 2021
    3:31pm

    Thinking of you, dear Glenn, lovely Mia and your sweet father at this very difficult time. Sending my love and deepest condolences to each of you. Your beautiful Mother is a wonderful example of a life well lived.

    save
    City
    Annapolis
    State
    MD
    Reply
    Lisa Norwood
    23 Sep 2021
    5:24pm

    Mr. Archer, Glenn, and family,
    I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember many of my customers, and they all hold a special place in my heart. Hugs to you all during this difficult time. Mrs. Archer was always smiling when she came into the Dunkirk Post Office, and I enjoyed chatting with her when she did. Always remember the fun times, the smiles, and the laughter.

    save
    City
    Prince Frederick
    State
    Maryland
    Reply

Leave A Condolence Cancel Condolence

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Sort Comments

    Georgie Nance’s
    14 Sep 2021
    4:19pm

    Glenn,
    Your Mom was a dear, dear friend of mine in high school. We spent hours on the phone talking about everything known to man. She was fun and kind and I was blessed to have known her. I send you and your family my deepest sympathy.
    Georgie Nance ( Ugrinic)

    save
    City
    Mclean
    State
    Virginia
    Reply
    Mark Edwards
    14 Sep 2021
    5:56pm

    So sorry for your loss. My family always saw her as part of our family and we will greatly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the Edwards family.

    save
    City
    Venice
    State
    FL
    Reply
    Jennifer Grove
    15 Sep 2021
    3:31pm

    Thinking of you, dear Glenn, lovely Mia and your sweet father at this very difficult time. Sending my love and deepest condolences to each of you. Your beautiful Mother is a wonderful example of a life well lived.

    save
    City
    Annapolis
    State
    MD
    Reply
    Lisa Norwood
    23 Sep 2021
    5:24pm

    Mr. Archer, Glenn, and family,
    I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember many of my customers, and they all hold a special place in my heart. Hugs to you all during this difficult time. Mrs. Archer was always smiling when she came into the Dunkirk Post Office, and I enjoyed chatting with her when she did. Always remember the fun times, the smiles, and the laughter.

    save
    City
    Prince Frederick
    State
    Maryland
    Reply

Leave A Condolence Cancel Condolence

(Required)
(Required)

Your condolence will appear following a review from the Rausch Funeral Home staff.

The maximum upload file size: 20 MB. You can upload: image. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

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