Barbara Ann Houck, 83, of Severna Park passed away on October 16, 2025 at the home she shared with her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Allen Houck ("Bob"). Known throughout her wide community of friends, acquaintances and family for her incredibly abundant friendliness, kindness, joy, and independent spirit, Barbara will be missed immensely.

The daughter of William Lester Arnold and Naomi Louise (Kratz) Arnold, Barbara grew up in Westminster, MD, also the locale of Bob's family farm, an adored location where she later spent much time with loved family and friends. After graduating from Westminster High School, Barbara attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where she joined Sigma Kappa Sorority, a happy lifelong sisterhood.

In the summer of 1962, while swimming at a local pool, Barbara spied Bobby Houck and her heart flipped. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 1963. Bob and Barbara relocated many times during his years of Air Force service and Reynolds Metals employment. Their multiple moves did not deter Barbara from being an active member of her community, including serving as director of volunteer services for the school system in Medfield, MA as well as town library trustee. While living in Richmond, Virginia, she served as an officer of the Women's Committee of the Richmond Symphony.

Barbara and Bob returned to Maryland in 1982, when they acquired their first McDonald's franchise in Riviera Beach. They grew their business and family of employees over 33 years, eventually operating as many as eleven McDonald's restaurants. Known lovingly as "Miss Barbara" to their thousands of employees over the years, Barbara used her talents to market the restaurants and assist local community charities. She and her co-workers held constant fundraisers for the Baltimore Ronald McDonald House. Barbara also felt a need for and became a founding member of the Pasadena Business Association.

In 1994, Barbara and Bob moved into the home of their dreams in the community of Linstead in Severna Park. They created a welcoming home for their children, grandchildren, and extended family to gather. They hosted numerous charitable events and local parties. Mrs. Houck was a member of the Severna Park Republican Women, the Carroll County Genealogical Society, the Anne Arundel County Historical Society, and the Panhellenic Club as well as other organizations. Her hobbies were genealogy, boating, bird watching, tennis, mah-jongg and gardening.

Bob and Barbara loved to travel with friends and family throughout the U.S. and overseas. They especially treasured their yearly visits to St. Maarten, where they shared joyful vacations with many and created wonderful memories together.

In addition to Bob, Barbara is survived by daughter Victoria Elaine Ziegler (Roger) of Annapolis and sons Robert Allen Houck, Jr. (Ruth) of Richmond, VA, and Bradford Lester Houck (Janice) of Ashburn, VA, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and brother William Henry Arnold of Glasgow, Kentucky.

Family and friends may visit Monday, October 27 at 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. at Barranco Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Barranco Funeral Home. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions are suggested to Partners in Care Maryland, the Historical Society of Carroll County, or a charity of your choice.