After nearly 44 years, Barbara and George are together again. On Jan. 31, 2011, in the home of her daughter, Lynne, she passed peacefully surrounded by daughters, Tena and Carolyn. Mom had a stroke and traumatic brain injury at her home on Jan. 14. Due to the extraordinary care provided by EMTs, doctors and nurses at St Luke's and St. Al's, her children were able to enjoy choice, tender, memorable moments together before her passing. Barbara was born Jan. 26, 1929, in Oakley, Idaho. She was an identical twin born to Simon and Mollie Baker. Her childhood was simple, carefree and challenging. This she shared with eight siblings in the remote valley of Lind, Utah, an area settled and named after her maternal grandfather. Her family moved to Kimberly for greater educational opportunities the year she was to go to the ninth grade. There she graduated from Kimberly High School. Always active in the LDS church, she received the honor of Gold and Gleaner queen with her sister, Kathleen. This acknowledged their commitment to Christian principles of charity, service, faith, hope, chastity and modesty. Barbara attended BYU and Utah State, where she enjoyed playing basketball and showing her beautiful stallion, Comet, and his tricks to adoring audiences. When her father became ill, she left school to help take care of him and the farm and was unable to finish her studies in art. She shared her artistic talents with family, including her children, by drawing and painting during most of her life. Barbara married George Edward Westfall in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 5, 1953, and they were blessed with six children, all of whom survive her: George Michael (Karen), Tena Marie Blackburn (Tracy), Barbara Lynne Luff (Kelly), Carolyn Nielsen (David), Carl James (Lana) and Raymond Stanley (Mickie). Her children blessed Barbara with 31 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Simon Baker, Mollie Dalton, Norman Baker, twin sister Kathleen Randell (Gene), Rachel Fairbourne (Paul) and Diane Rentleman. She was preceded in death by her husband, George; parents, Simon and Mollie; brother, Lawrence Baker; sister, Emma Hansen; and great-grandchild, Alex. George passed on March 1, 1967, leaving Barbara a single parent. However, she was able to manage this challenge with the help of her widowed mother, Molly, relatives, ward members and the community. As the head of her family, she experienced many challenges, yet ultimately had the joy of a home where love of God and service to others were not just guiding principles but fundamental elements of life. Barbara's life was characterized by her service to Church, love and loyalty to family, education, horses and gardening. The chasm left in our hearts by her passing will be bridged upon our reunion in the eternities. Visitation for Barbara will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls, and for one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Kimberly Stake Center. The funeral for Barbara will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kimberly Stake Center, 3857 N. 3500 E., Kimberly, Idaho. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Twin Falls. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.
No comments:
Post a Comment