Barbara's husband, Bob Franklin Hoover, says Barbara packed two suitcases of clothing and left their home in the 5100 block of Tamarack Street in Silver Springs, Nevada on the morning of September 11, 2003, while her husband of 47 years was at the bank. She was reportedly depressed and angry because the entirety of her father's inheritance had been left to her brother. Barbara told Bob she was going to the coast to live with friends. He says she took several thousand dollars and a year's supply of her bladder medicine with her, but did not take her car, a 1989 Pontiac Firebird.

Bob claimed he maintained occasional contact with Barbara after her disappearance; he says he spoke to her on the phone and met her at a Jackson, Nevada coffeeshop in 2005, and that she used his health insurance. He has not produced any proof that these encounters took place, however.

Barbara was reported missing by her son. Her loved ones say it is uncharacteristic of her to leave without warning or to travel alone. She is described as a timid, reclusive woman. While there is no evidence of foul play in Barbara's case, she is considered to be endangered. Barbara's children believe she was murdered, as it is uncharacteristic of her to be out of contact with them for so long. Bob believes her friends in Merced, California may be helping her hide. The couple lived in Merced for several years before moving to Nevada.

Some agencies state Barbara disappeared on September 10, 2003. Her case remains unsolved.