What’s the secret story behind Barbara Roufs death?

Barbara Roufs was a well-known American drag racing champion in the 1970s. She was considered one of the most beautiful sports personalities of her time. Tragically, Barbara passed away in January 1991 at the young age of 47. 

The circumstances around Barbara’s death are not entirely clear. According to her daughter Jet, Barbara took her own life, but the exact reasons why are unknown. Barbara had a successful career as a model and trophy girl in the thriving drag racing scene of the 1970s.

What led this vibrant and admired woman to such a tragic end? The details of Barbara’s final days and the factors that may have contributed to her untimely demise are not fully documented. Her daughter’s brief comments provide limited insight into the secret story behind this drag racing icon’s sudden and shocking death.

Age & Bio

Full Name	Barbara Roufs
Nickname	Racing Trophy Girl
Gender	Female
Date of Birth	1944
Date of Death	January 1991
Age at Death	47 (in 1991)
Place of Birth	California, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Religion	Christian
Sexuality	Straight
Height	5 feet 5 inches
Weight	55 kg
Parents	Thelma Ruby Riley & Wayne Eldon Riley
Siblings	Vivian Deaton, James, Bruce, Ben Gube
Marital Status	Married
Children	Jet Dougherty
Profession	Trophy Girl, Model

Before death there was life

In the early 1970s, Barbara Roufs became a very popular “trophy girl” at drag racing events. During this time, the sport of drag racing was going through big changes. The old cars were replaced with newer, faster models.

The dragsters also changed, with the driver’s seat moved behind the engine. As the sport evolved, so did the prizes and swag given out to fans. For the women involved, things became more free-spirited bras were burnt, hair grew longer and shorts got shorter.

Barbara fit this new image perfectly. With her long, straight hair, loose tops and retro go-go boots, she was the ideal trophy girl to get the crowd excited. Barbara thrived in her role as the glamorous face of professional drag racing.

Fans and drivers alike adored her beauty and the energy she brought to the events. She won the title of 1973 PDA (Professional Dragster Association) Queen, cementing her status as a beloved figure in the sport. Before her tragic end, Barbara lived a life in the spotlight, bringing joy and excitement to the world of drag racing.

Read this post: Mary Joan Martelly: Bio, Early Life, Career, Net Worth & More 2024

Professional Career

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Barbara Roufs was a famous drag racing trophy girl. She was a huge hit, beloved by both the racing drivers and the fans. Barbara won the title of 1973 PDA (Professional Dragster Association) Queen, cementing her status as the top trophy girl in the sport.

Companies and manufacturers who wanted to promote their products to the drag racing community often chose Barbara over other models. Her striking good looks and charming personality made her the perfect choice to represent their brands at events.

Barbara’s fame and popularity as a trophy girl showed just how important the role had become in the evolving world of professional drag racing.

Who was Barbara Roufs’s dad and mom?

Barbara Roufs was born to Eldon Riley and Ruby Riles. Her mother ran a beauty salon and played piano at the local churches in Clovis, California. Barbara’s father raced motorcycles and enjoyed fishing on his houseboat.

Both of Barbara’s parents were respected members of the community. They were among the first people inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to the town. Though details about Barbara’s upbringing are limited, it is clear she came from a well-known family in her hometown.

Age and Family.

Barbara Roufs was born in 1944, making her 47 years old at the time of her death in 1991. Details about her childhood and family are scarce, but we can assume she was born and raised in California, which is where she made her name as a drag racing trophy girl.

Beyond knowing her birth year and that she grew up in California, not much is publicly known about Barbara’s immediate family members. Her parents, Eldon and Ruby were well-respected figures in the community, but information about any siblings she may have had is limited.

Read more: Dana Grady, the Woman Who Completes Joe Flacco

Children and Grandchildren

In 2016, an old photograph of Barbara Roufs surfaced, sparking renewed interest in her life and legacy. This led to her daughter, Jet Dougherty, coming forward to share some details about her mother.

Jet revealed that Barbara had a happy and interesting life, even if it was cut short. She was glad to see her mother’s image finally shared on the internet, something Barbara had apparently always wanted. Jet’s own daughter, Crystal Dougherty, also expressed pride and joy at seeing her grandmother’s photos online for the first time.

Though not much is known about Barbara’s personal life and family, these comments from her daughter and granddaughter provide a glimpse into the close-knit relatives she left behind. It’s clear they have fond memories of this beautiful and charismatic woman, even decades after her tragic passing.

Net Worth

In the 1970s, when Barbara Roufs was at the height of her fame as a drag racing trophy girl, she likely earned a good income. While the exact salaries for trophy girls during that era are not well documented, Barbara was in high demand and considered one of the most beautiful in the sport.

In addition to her earnings, some of Barbara’s famous modeling photos from the 1970s are now sold online. Based on her successful career and the value of these vintage images, it’s estimated that Barbara Roufs had a net worth of around $1.5 million at the time of her tragic death in 1991 at age 47.

How did the life of Barbara Roufs end?

According to her daughter Jet, Barbara Roufs tragically took her own life in 1991 at the age of 47. The exact reasons behind her suicide are unknown and not fully explained.

Barbara’s life was cut short under these mysterious and heartbreaking circumstances. She passed away in Fresno, California, where she had been living with her family prior to her untimely death.

Read this post: How Much Is Lil Baby Net Worth

Conclusion

In summary, Barbara Roufs was a remarkable woman who found fame and success as a model and champion in the world of 1970s drag racing. She was beloved by fans and drivers alike for her striking good looks and the energy she brought to the sport.

However, Barbara’s life was cut tragically short when she died by suicide at the young age of 47 in 1991. While the details of her final days remain unclear, Barbara’s legacy lives on through the fond memories and admiration of those who knew her. Her story is bittersweet, highlighting the highs and lows that can mark a life in the public eye.