Barbara Roufs was a well-known American trophy girl, model, and actress who gained fame during the drag racing era of the 1970s in Southern California. Her stunning looks, including broad straightened hair and 60s gogo boots, made her stand out among other trophy girls. She was also known for her lively personality, which contributed to the excitement of the races, making her a beloved figure among fans.
Despite her success, Barbara’s life was not without struggles. In January 1991, she committed suicide at the age of 47, leaving many fans and loved ones shocked and saddened. The reason behind her suicide is still unknown.
This article will delve into the life and legacy of Barbara Roufs, exploring her early life, professional career, influence in the automotive industry, personal life and relationships, net worth, and cause of death. It will also provide 10 fun facts about Barbara Roufs and answer frequently asked questions about her life and career.
Key Takeaways
- Barbara Roufs was a well-known trophy girl, model, and actress during the drag racing era of the 1970s in Southern California.
- Despite her success, Barbara struggled with personal issues and committed suicide in January 1991 at the age of 47.
- Barbara Roufs’ legacy in the automotive industry and her impact on fans and loved ones continue to be felt today.
What happened to Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs was a famous drag racing trophy girl who gained popularity in the 1970s. She was known for her beauty and charm and was considered the most stunning trophy girl in Southern California drag racing. Barbara had two children and was 29 years old at the peak of her career.
Unfortunately, Barbara Roufs passed away in January 1991 at the age of 47. The reason behind her death is not known to anybody yet. A few years after quitting her work as the trophy girl, Barbara committed suicide, leaving her fans and family in shock.
Despite her untimely death, Barbara Roufs remains a legend in the world of drag racing. Her photos and videos from her racing days are still widely shared on social media and YouTube. She is remembered as a knockout girl who brought excitement to racing and inspired many young girls to pursue their dreams.
In conclusion, Barbara Roufs was a talented and beautiful trophy girl who left a lasting impression on the world of drag racing. Her legacy continues to inspire many young girls to follow their dreams and achieve success in their chosen fields.
Early Life and Education
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, United States. She was the daughter of Thelma Ruby Riles (mother) and Wayne Eldon Riley (father). She had three biological siblings and one adopted brother. Her three siblings are Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley, while her adopted brother is Ben Gube.
Growing up, Barbara Roufs was a beauty queen and a talented dancer. She won several beauty pageants and dance competitions in her youth. She was also an excellent student and graduated from high school with honors.
After high school, Barbara Roufs attended college and earned a degree in psychology. She was interested in helping people and wanted to become a counselor or therapist. However, her life took a different turn when she became a trophy girl for drag racing in the early 1970s.
Despite her success as a trophy girl, Barbara Roufs never forgot her passion for psychology. She continued to study the subject and even took courses in counseling and therapy. She was always interested in helping people and making a difference in their lives.
Professional Career
Barbara Roufs began her career as a model, but she soon transitioned to being a trophy girl for the drag racing scene in Southern California during the 1970s. Her infectious energy and striking presence made her a favorite among racers, fans, and businesses selling products to the racing community.
Barbara’s career as a trophy girl was a success. She was well known for her stunning looks, including broad straightened hair and 60s gogo boots. Although drag racing had many trophy girls, Barbara became famous because she was one of the oldest at 29. Her age made her stand out from the other girls, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Barbara’s career as a trophy girl lasted for several years, and she became a well-known figure in the racing community. She was known for her enthusiasm and joy, and she brought a lot of energy to the races. Her presence was felt not only by the racers but also by the fans who attended the races.
Despite her success as a trophy girl, Barbara’s career was cut short when she passed away in 1991 at the age of 46. However, her legacy lives on, and she is remembered as a phenomenal girl who brought so much enthusiasm and joy to the race.
Career in Modeling
Barbara Roufs began her career as a model in the late 1960s. She was known for her stunning looks and magnetic personality. Her modeling career took off when she became a trophy girl for Southern California drag racing events. She quickly became one of the most popular trophy girls in the industry due to her age, as she was one of the oldest at 29.
As a model, Barbara Roufs worked with several renowned photographers and appeared in numerous magazines, including Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Drag Racing USA. She also worked as a promotional model for various car companies and appeared in several commercials.
Barbara Roufs was known for her striking beauty and was often compared to famous Hollywood actresses of the time. Her unique style and fashion sense made her stand out in the modeling industry. She was known for her broad straightened hair and 60s go-go boots, which became her signature look.
Despite her success as a model, Barbara Roufs led a very private life and liked to maintain her privacy when it came to her personal life. She did not disclose much about her family or personal relationships.
Overall, Barbara Roufs had a successful career as a model and was remembered as a knockout girl in the golden age of the late seventies.
Husband and Children
Barbara Roufs was a famous drag racing trophy girl who brought enthusiasm and joy to the race. However, there is no information available about her husband and children. It is believed that she never got married and did not have any children.
Barbara Roufs was born on March 11, 1945, in the United States. She grew up with three siblings, Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley, and an adopted brother, Ben Gube. Her mother met her husband in 1942 and married him in 1947.
Barbara Roufs was a popular figure in the drag racing scene during the 1970s. She was one of the most popular trophy girls during her time and was known for her beauty and charm. She worked for various drag racing events and was loved by many fans.
In 1991, Barbara Roufs passed away at the age of 46. Her death was a great loss to the drag racing community, and she will always be remembered as a phenomenal girl who brought so much enthusiasm and joy to the race.
Barbara Roufs’ Profile Summary
Barbara Roufs was a famous racing trophy girl in Southern California, USA, during the early 1970s. She was born in 1944 and passed away at the age of 46 in January 1991. Here is a summary of her profile:
| Full Name | Barbara Roufs |
| Birth Year | 1944 |
| Birthplace | Southern California, USA |
| Occupation | Racing Trophy Girl |
| Famous For | Being the most stunning trophy girl in Southern California drag race racing |
| Family | Thelma Ruby Riles (mother), Wayne Eldon Riley (father), three biological siblings (Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley), and one adopted brother (Ben Gube) |
| Children | Two children (names unknown) |
| Cause of Death | Suicide |
Barbara Roufs was known for her beauty, charm, and magnetic personality. She was widely considered the most stunning trophy girl in Southern California drag race racing. Her pictures as a racer can still be found on YouTube.
Barbara Roufs was a mother of two children. However, their names are unknown. Her family tree was as diverse as her magnetic personality. Her mother’s name was Thelma Ruby Riles, and her father’s name was Wayne Eldon Riley. She had three biological siblings, Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley, while her adopted brother was Ben Gube.
Unfortunately, Barbara Roufs ended her life by committing suicide in January of 1991, which left the public vacant and raised many curious questions.
Influence in the Automotive Industry
Barbara Roufs made a significant impact on the automotive industry during her time as a trophy girl and model. Her lively and charismatic personality, stunning looks, and love for cars made her a beloved figure among fans and racers alike.
As one of the oldest trophy girls in the drag racing scene, Barbara Roufs broke barriers and challenged stereotypes about age and beauty. She proved that women of all ages could be powerful and influential figures in the automotive industry.
Barbara’s influence in the automotive industry extended beyond her work as a trophy girl. She was also a talented mechanic and driver, and she used her expertise to inspire and mentor young women who were interested in pursuing careers in the automotive industry.
Barbara’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women in the automotive industry today. Her passion and dedication to the sport, as well as her commitment to breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, serve as a reminder that anyone can achieve greatness with hard work, determination, and a love for what they do.
Legacy and Impact
Barbara Roufs was a prominent figure in the drag racing scene in the 1970s. As a trophy girl, she brought excitement and energy to the races, and her lively personality made her a beloved figure among fans. Her legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew her and the impact she had on the drag racing community.
Roufs’ contributions to the sport of drag racing cannot be overstated. She was one of the few women in a male-dominated field, and her presence helped pave the way for other women to get involved in the sport. Her work as a trophy girl helped to elevate the profile of drag racing and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
In addition to her work as a trophy girl, Roufs was also an accomplished drag racer in her own right. She competed in a number of races throughout her career and was known for her skill and determination on the track. Her success as a racer helped to inspire others and cemented her place as a trailblazer in the world of drag racing.
Today, Roufs’ legacy lives on through the many people she inspired and the impact she had on the sport of drag racing. Her contributions helped to make the sport more inclusive and accessible, and her memory serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
Personal Life and Relationships
Barbara Roufs was a private person, and not much is known about her personal life. She was born in the United States, and her date of birth is not publicly available. It is also unclear whether she had any siblings or not.
In terms of relationships, Barbara Roufs was married to her husband for several years before her death. However, there is no information available about her husband’s name or profession. It is also unknown if she had any children.
Barbara Roufs was known to be an animal lover, and she owned several pets. She was particularly fond of dogs and was often seen walking her dogs in her neighborhood.
Despite her success as a trophy girl and model, Barbara Roufs remained humble and down-to-earth. She was known for her kind and generous nature and was loved by many in the racing community.
Overall, Barbara Roufs was a private person who kept her personal life out of the public eye. While not much is known about her personal relationships, she was known for her love of animals and her kind-hearted nature.
Barbara Roufs’ Net Worth
Barbara Roufs was a well-known racing trophy girl who made a name for herself in the racing scene during the 1970s. She was known for her undeniable talent and dedication to drag racing, which earned her an estimated net worth of $150,000 per year from 1970 to 1990.
According to sources, Barbara Roufs had an estimated net worth ranging between $1.5 million to $2.5 million per year during 1991. However, it is important to note that these figures are not confirmed and may be subject to variation.
Barbara Roufs’ net worth was mainly attributed to her successful career in the racing industry. She was a popular figure in the racing scene and was often seen presenting trophies to the winners of various races. Her popularity and success in the industry led to her being featured in various magazines and publications.
Despite her success, Barbara Roufs was not known to be active on any social media platforms. This means that she did not have any significant online presence that could have contributed to her net worth.
In conclusion, Barbara Roufs’ net worth was primarily attributed to her successful career in the racing industry. While her estimated net worth may vary, it is clear that she was a successful and well-known figure in the racing scene during her time.
Cause of Death
Barbara Roufs passed away on January 18, 1991, at the age of 46. Her death was a result of suicide, which left many people shocked and saddened. The reason for her suicide is not entirely clear, and it remains a mystery to this day.
Despite her successful career as a trophy girl in the drag racing world, Barbara Roufs struggled with depression and other personal issues. Her death was a tragic loss to her family, friends, and fans who loved and admired her.
Many people have speculated about the reasons for her suicide, with some suggesting that it may have been related to her personal life or career. However, there is no concrete evidence to support any of these claims.
Regardless of the cause of her death, Barbara Roufs will always be remembered for her beauty, talent, and contributions to the drag racing community. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence many people, and her memory lives on through the many photos and videos of her that still exist today.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Barbara Roufs passed away in January 1991 at the age of 47. Her death was a shock to the drag racing community, and many of her fans were devastated. The cause of her death is not publicly known.
Despite her untimely death, Barbara Roufs’s legacy lives on. She is remembered as a prominent figure in the drag racing scene of the 1970s. Her lively personality and beauty contributed to the excitement of the races, making her a beloved figure among fans.
In recent years, Barbara Roufs’s iconic photos from the 70s have sold online for significant amounts of money. Her net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million. This posthumous recognition is a testament to the impact she had on the drag racing world and the lasting impression she left on her fans.
Today, Barbara Roufs is remembered as a trailblazer for women in the male-dominated world of drag racing. Her legacy continues to inspire young women who aspire to pursue careers in motorsports.
10 Fun Facts About Barbara Roufs
Barbara Roufs was an American drag race trophy girl who gained popularity in the 1970s. Here are ten fun facts about her life:
- Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, United States.
- She had three biological siblings and one adopted brother.
- Barbara gave birth to her daughter, Jet Dougherty, when she was 29 years old.
- She was known for her striking beauty, go-go boots, and freedom tanks.
- Barbara Roufs was a devout Christian.
- She entered the racing scene in the early 1970s as a trophy girl.
- Barbara Roufs was a fan of drag racing and was known for her love of cars.
- She was a regular fixture at the Orange County International Raceway.
- Barbara Roufs was married, but her husband’s name is not publicly known.
- Sadly, Barbara Roufs passed away in January 1991.
Barbara Roufs left a lasting impression on the drag racing scene and was known for her beauty, passion for cars, and her infectious smile. Her legacy continues to inspire many to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Barbara Roufs and what is she known for?
Barbara Roufs was a renowned trophy girl and model from Southern California. She gained prominence during the 1970s drag racing period, which coincided with the introduction of new cars. In contrast to her peers, Roufs stood out due to her age of 29 and her unique appearance, characterized by broad straightened hair and 1960s-style go-go boots.
Where is Barbara Roufs from?
Barbara Roufs was from Southern California in the United States.
What is Barbara Roufs’ professional background?
Barbara Roufs was a trophy girl and model. She became famous during the 1970s drag racing period, where she was known for her unique appearance and energy.
Has Barbara Roufs been in the news recently?
No, Barbara Roufs passed away in 1991 at the age of 46.
What are some notable accomplishments of Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs was one of the oldest trophy girls in drag racing at the age of 29. She was known for her unique appearance, which included broad straightened hair and 1960s-style go-go boots. She is credited with bringing great energy and fun to the races.
Can you provide any insights into Barbara Roufs’ personal life?
Barbara Roufs had two children and was married. She passed away in 1991 at the age of 46.