Barbara Roufs was an American woman who gained fame as a trophy girl in the world of drag racing during the 1970s. As a beautiful, young model and racer enthusiast, Roufs embodied the exciting spirit of the sport and captivated both drivers and spectators alike.
Roufs’ unexpected passing sparked questions and speculation among those who admired her vibrant presence on the racing circuit. What could have led to such a tragic end for this larger-than-life personality?
Though the official reports indicate that Roufs took her own life, the reasons behind her self-inflicted demise remain elusive. Was there more to the story than a simple act? Did the pressures of fame, the demands of her career, or some other undisclosed factor contribute to her untimely demise .
Age & Bio
| Attribute | Value |
| Full Name | Barbara Roufs |
| Nickname | Racing Trophy Girl |
| Gender | Female |
| Date Of Birth | 1944 |
| Died | January 1991 |
| Age | 47 (as of 1991) |
| Place of Birth | California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Parents | Thelma Ruby Riley & Wayne Eldon Riley |
| Siblings | Vivian Deaton, James, Bruce, Ben Gube |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Jet Dougherty |
| Profession | Trophy Girl, Model |
Before death there was life.
In the early 1970s, Barbara Roufs became a prominent trophy girl in the world of drag racing. This was a time of significant change and evolution for the sport, as the old dragsters and cars were swapped out for newer, more powerful models.
Roufs embodied the ideal trophy girl, with her striking good looks, long, straight hair, and stylish 1960s-inspired outfits. She brought a vibrant energy and excitement to the races, captivating both the drivers .
Her role as the “queen” of the 6th annual U.S. Professional Dragster Championship in 1973 further cemented her status as a beloved figure in the drag racing community.
Despite her relative age compared to some of the younger trophy girls, Roufs’ exceptional beauty and charisma made her a standout choice for companies and manufacturers looking to promote their products to the drag racing audience.
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Professional Career
Between the late 1960s and early 1970s, Barbara Roufs was a renowned figure in the world of drag racing, serving as a highly sought-after trophy girl. At the height of her career, she was crowned the 1973 PDA (Professional Dragster Association) queen, further cementing her status as the premier trophy girl of the era.
Roufs’ captivating beauty and infectious energy made her a beloved figure among both the racing drivers and the enthusiastic spectators. Her wide, straight hair, loose freedom tanks, and iconic go-go boots from the 1960s gave her a distinctive look that set her apart from the other trophy girls..
The success and popularity of Barbara Roufs as a trophy girl in the 1970s also made her a valuable asset for companies and manufacturers seeking to promote their products to the drag racing community. Her striking appearance and engaging personality made her.
Who was Barbara Roufs’s dad and mom?
Barbara Roufs was born to Eldon Riley and Ruby Riles in Clovis, California. Her mother, Ruby, was a beauty salon owner and played the piano at the Church of the Nazarene and Calvary Bible. She outlived her daughter, passing away in 2005.
Roufs’ father, Eldon, was an avid motorcycle racer who frequented the Kearney Bowl. He also owned a houseboat and enjoyed fishing. Both of Roufs’ parents were honoured as the first inductees into the Clovis Hall of Fame, testament to their standing and contributions within the local community.
Age and Family.
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944, making her 47 years old at the time of her untimely death in 1991. Details about her immediate family, such as her siblings, are not widely available online. It is known that she was born and raised in California, which is where she ultimately built her career as a prominent .
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Children and Grandchildren.
In 2016, a photographer named Tom West shared old photographs of Barbara Roufs, which prompted her daughter, Jet Dougherty, to come forward and share her memories of her mother. Jet expressed that her mother had led a fulfilling and interesting life, though it was tragically cut short.
Jet’s daughter, Crystal Dougherty, also reached out to express her pride and admiration for her grandmother’s beauty and legacy. The emergence of these family members provided a rare glimpse into the personal life of Barbara Roufs, offering a more intimate perspective on the woman behind the iconic drag racing trophy girl persona.
Net Worth
As a successful model and trophy girl during the height of her career in the 1970s, Barbara Roufs likely amassed a considerable net worth. While the exact figures are not known, it is estimated that she was worth approximately $1.5 million at the time of her death.
Roufs’ fame and popularity during the golden era of drag racing allowed her to capitalise on her modelling and promotional opportunities, earning a substantial income through her work. The enduring value of her iconic images from that period also suggests that her net worth may have continued to grow even after her passing.
How did the life of Barbara Roufs end?
In 1991, at the age of 47, Barbara Roufs tragically took her own life. Her daughter, Jet Dougherty, provided the details about the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death, though the exact reasons and motivations behind Roufs’ decision to end her life remain unclear.
The loss of this vibrant and beloved figure in the drag racing community was undoubtedly a shock to those who had been captivated by her presence and charisma. The mystery and lack of clear information about the factors that led to Roufs’ suicide have only served to fuel the speculation and intrigue surrounding the “secret story” behind her untimely demise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was Barbara Roufs’ profession?
Barbara Roufs was a trophy girl and model in the drag racing community during the 1970s.
When and where was Barbara Roufs born?
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in California, United States.
Who were Barbara Roufs’ parents?
Barbara Roufs’ parents were Thelma Ruby Riley and Wayne Eldon Riley.
How old was Barbara Roufs when she died?
Barbara Roufs was 47 years old when she died in January 1991.
Did Barbara Roufs have any children?
Yes, Barbara Roufs had a daughter named Jet Dougherty.
Final Thoughts
Barbara Roufs in 1991 at the age of 47 continues to captivate those who remember her as a vibrant and beloved figure in the world of drag racing. Though the official reports indicate that she took her own life, the exact circumstances and motivations behind her suicide remain shrouded in mystery.
The uncertainty surrounding her final days shows her legacy as a captivating trophy girl and model during the golden era of drag racing. Her striking good looks, infectious energy, and distinctive 1960s-inspired aesthetic made her a standout presence on the circuit, cementing her status as a central figure in the sport’s rich history.
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