Ron was born December 2, 1958 in Philadelphia PA. He attended the University of Miami, Oberlin College and the San Francisco Conservatory where he studied with his mentor and musical father, Marc Lifschey of the Cleveland Orchestra. Ron held many Principal Oboe positions in various orchestras including the National Gallery Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla Y Leon (Valladolid Spain), Orquesta del Estado de Mexico and was a founding member of the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. Ron also was an exquisite chamber music musician and soloist throughout most of his life.

In October 2012, Ron Sipes became a two time stroke survivor. He endured two strokes, four brain surgeries and a variety of medical challenges. And he persevered. He Lived. He became Twice Born as each layer of himself was chipped away and his Essence emerged. Ron was a champion of Determination and pursued every therapy and experience to improve himself and to reach Wholeness. He never balked at a new adventure in the pursuit of progress.

Barbara Eloise Wheeler was born on August 25, 1929 in Conneaut, Ohio to the late Charles and Edna Yarnell. She grew up on a family farm with her sisters Jean and Marjorie.

She graduated Andrews School for Girls and received multiple administrative certificates from Northern Virginia Community College. She worked as a head secretary at Alexandria Hospital where she retired in 1993. She was a devoted Baptist and attended Manassas Baptist Church for many years. She enjoyed reading, writing, exercising, spending time with her family, and truly loved all animals.