On the recordApril 18, 2013
I stand before you today with great sadness. This weekend, the movement on behalf of life lost a passionate leader, Barbara Willke. For over four decades, Barbara and her husband, Dr. John Willke, were an unstoppable force for life. They joined together to author books, craft teaching materials, and give lectures in 64 countries, all to promote faith and sanctity of life. In 1971, they founded Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati, one of the first organizations of its kind. This life-loving organization continues to thrive in no small part due to their efforts over the years. In addition to being a pioneer of the pro-life movement, Barbara was a nurse, a mother, a foster parent, a grandmother, and devoted wife. She and John would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this summer. Barbara's influence lives on through the lives she touched, especially those she protected. It's my honor to be one of the many people who will keep her legacy alive by defending our most vulnerable, the unborn, as she did for so many years. God bless Barbara Willke, and may she rest in peace. ____________________
