02 Jan 1934 – 12 Aug 2024
Barbara Cherry, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend graduated to her heavenly home on August 12, 2024 at the age of 90.
Barbara was born on January 2, 1934 in Danville, Illinois. When asked for her date of birth, she enjoyed saying “one, two, three, four” and she also would add “My mom did good.” The start of her childhood was on the family farm in Illinois until the family relocated to Southern California in 1946. She took secretarial courses in high school and worked in that field for many decades. When she and her family moved to Yreka in 1973, she did secretarial work for Ohlund’s Office Supply and the Elks Lodge. She retired from her job as a personnel clerk at the Klamath National Forest Service after 15 years. Her gifts of meticulous attention to detail and extreme typing speed were valuable assets in her career.
Barbara was active in church since her high school days. She taught Sunday School when her girls were young and continued at the Yreka Berean Church for many years, as well as singing in the choir for decades. Most recently, she enjoyed fellowshipping at Gazelle Community Church, attending even when, in her later days, the physical challenges required great effort to get her there on her part and that of her family.
Their love for the Lord and desire to serve others inspired Paul and Barbara to volunteer with the SOWERs organization, a Christian couples RV work ministry providing volunteer help to Christian ministries across the US. Barbara’s vivacious personality and kind spirit were special assets as she and Paul used their personal skills to support Christian ministries in multiple states. A SOWERs project led them to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City, Nevada, where they served every winter for 18 years. These years of volunteer work helped build precious lifelong friendships.
Barbara was an active member of the TOPS club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for many years and ultimately reached her weight loss goal of losing 40 pounds. She made many close friends with other women who were working to achieve good health. She was an avid crafter, including crocheting and card-making, and was involved in a local card-making group for many years. Her handmade creations were very popular gifts among her family and friends.
She took great delight in gathering with family and fiends to celebrate every holiday and any occasion which became special because we were all together. Food was always an important element in these gatherings which usually included some type of homemade goodies from Barbara. She was always at home at these gatherings where laughter and storytelling filled the air.
Everyone who knew Barbara describes her high-energy style, warm heart, and genuine concern for people. Her love for others was always evident and she was a diligent “prayer warrior.”
Barbara is survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul; her daughters, Ruth (husband Bruce), Diana (husband Jim) and Paula (husband Eric); three grandsons, Jeremy (wife Heather), Joshua and Alex; sister-in-law Joyce, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Pauline, as well as siblings Paul, Delores and Don.
Although our hearts are grieving her absence, we don’t grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). She is no longer suffering but is in the arms of her Savior, where she is experiencing perfect peace and fullness of joy.
Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of Life. In Your presence is fullness of joy. At Your right had are pleasures forevermore.”
Our family would like to express their gratitude to Madrone Hospice and the compassionate care that they gave Mom during the last few months of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s name to MadroneHospice.org.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
source: Girdner Funeral Chapel
