Barbara H. Oehlbeck

Barbara Harding Oehlbeck, age 90, of LaBelle, passed away January 24, 2015 in Lehigh Acres. Born in Hickory, NC on Aug. 23, 1924, her parents were the late Nancy Lou Halsey and Glenn Wallick Harding. Barbara graduated from Martinsville High School and attended Averett University in Danville, VA where she studied voice, creative writing and technical radio. She was the first female announcer at WMVA radio station in Martinville, VA, where she was her own engineer on her Saturday morning show, "By Request". She was also secretary, treasurer and program director for the station. In 1961 she moved to Charlotte, NC where she continued her career in radio. In the field of news, she received numerous Associated Press awards for announcing and writing. While living in Charlotte, she also began her writing career, publishing her first book "It Wonders Me" in 1965. While she was not announcing or writing, she was in her rose garden. She is survived by her brother: Glenn H. Harding and sister: Iva Lou H. Edwards. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Luther Oehlbeck, M.D., brother: Robert Harding and sister: Vivian Martin. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Muse Community Center , 3897 Loblolly Bay Road, LaBelle. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Barron Library, 461 N. Main St, LaBelle, FL 33935. Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.