Barbara was born in Manning, Iowa, on November 28, 1940, to Paul and Alma (Asmus) Vollmer. She graduated from Manning High School in 1958 and was salutatorian of her class. In 1958, she enrolled at the University of Iowa, graduating with a degree in dental hygiene. Upon graduation she worked in several dental offices as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

On March 21, 1981, she married Roy Meth in Creston, Iowa. In 2003 she retired, and they moved to Ankeny, Iowa.

Music was a large part of Barbara's life. Whether she was singing, playing the piano, or dancing the Cha-Cha, she brought joy to those around her. Barbara was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and found great joy in reading, cooking, flower gardening, and traveling. She particularly enjoyed wintering in the Gulf Shores. Above all else, she cherished her family and their time spent together.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, mother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Roy; daughters, Melanie Chase and Mary Beth Chase; grandson, Aiden Chase; sister, Judy (Chuck) Hagen; as well as two nieces and one nephew.