Barbara von Wertheim

[2] In line with the motto of the time "learn to serve in order to rule",[3] her tutelage prepared her for a secular role, which involved marrying an imperial count in addition to running the household, raising children according to their status, and representing the master of the house during his abesence.

[5] Of the countess' daughters, only Barbara entered a marriage, with her brother Erasmus Schenk von Limpurg taking an advisory role and receiving 'letters of sorrow' from her.

[6] This reflection of Barbara's destiny mirrored her later experience, when the death of her husband and son resulted in the Wertheim dynasty's extinction in the male line.

[4] As Guardian Regent, upon the death of her husband George II in 1531, Barbara von Wertheim assumed responsibility for her two children and inherited his spiritual legacy of reforming the church in the locale.

[9] Barbara was acquainted with Johann Eberlin as a dependable advisor to her husband, and was aware of his reformatory attempts; she subsequently orientated herself to his church order, which she also instructed pastors within the area of Breuberg to abide by in 1537.

Despite this requirement, she was often listed as the primary contact person for the parish priests on ecclesiastical issues, and she campaigned for the appointment of Reformation ministers in the area.

On 14 May 1537, Countess Barbara announced a decree in tandem with her 'fellow parish priests'; highlighting her integral involvement in the reformation of the Church in the dominion of Breuberg.

She was responsible for supplying pastors to serve the parishioners, cultivating the next generation of theologians, establishing schools, finding financial support for teachers, as well as nurturing the poor and the ailing.

The tombstone is adorned with five coats of arms; those of Limpurg and Werdenberg are marked on the left, whereas the coats of arms of Oettinger and Baden-Sponheim occupy the right and the Wertheim-Breuberg coat of arms[13] lies above the following inscription: “In the year after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ 1561 29 Aprilis died in God's name the well-born wife Barbara Graui[n] and wife of Wertheim born baroness of Limpurg who after the blessed death of the well-born Lord Jorgen Grauen zu Wertheim her To Brewberg her beloved spouse Laudable memory for one and thirty years In her sorrow has ruled the herschafft wertheim Christianly and well to whom God A happy resurrection grant Amen CWR.”