May 25th, 1940 – Dec 3rd, 2024
With heavy hearts, we share that Barbara S. (Loder) Gravenkamp, 84, a 61-year resident of Yreka, passed away December 3, 2024, at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka after a brief illness and hospitalization. Barbara was born May 25,1940, in Inglewood, CA, to Justin and Bertha Loder, who preceded her in death. She was the eldest of three daughters and is survived by her sisters, Ann Enge of Bakersfield, CA, and Mary Carrillo of Chino Hills, CA.
Barbara spent many childhood summers in Missouri visiting her extended family. She graduated from Downey High School in 1958 and was subsequently employed at North American Aviation where they were building the Apollo Spacecraft that landed on the moon. Barbara married David Gravenkamp in 1961, had their first child while living in Southern California, and Barbara settled into her mother and homemaker stage of life. They moved to Yreka in 1964 and were parents to four children who will miss her very much: Alan Gravenkamp of Lodi, CA; Carol Diekmann (Robert) of Fair Oaks, CA; Andrea Castel (Tony) of Sacramento, CA; and Nancy Weinzheimer (Karl) of Rancho Cordova, CA.
Barbara was a long-term member of the Yreka United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and assisting with leadership of the high school Methodist Youth Group for several years in the 1970s. She was also a Girl Scout Leader for many years and always took an active role in the lives and interests of her children. After their divorce in 1979, Barbara began working as a kindergarten teacher’s aide at Gold Street School, and later Evergreen School, where she enjoyed interacting with young children and meeting new people, a job she held into the 1990s. She also became a certified Home Health Aide in the 1980s and assisted many elderly and disabled people throughout Siskiyou County during the 1980s and 1990s. Many teenagers found their way to Barbara’s house when their own home lives were difficult. She temporarily housed these teens for a few days, or even years. Everyone in the neighborhood called her “Mom G,” as she opened her door to everyone.
She enjoyed camping with her children, parents, and extended family. We share many happy memories of playing cards and fixing campfire meals at Gerber Reservoir, Kangaroo Lake, and Indian Mary campgrounds. She was also a trusted pet sitter for many decades, caring for dogs and other animals while their owners were on vacation. She loved animals, especially her own big Saint Bernard dog, Gretel, who was a neighborhood favorite through the 1970s. Barbara obviously loved all people and animals, and she was cherished by so many.
Barbara is survived by her loving sisters and her four children, mentioned above, as well as her grandchildren, Alaina Gravenkamp, Shea Burch (Cody), Lori Diekmann, James Diekmann, Anna Castel, Amy Castel, Max Weinzheimer, Wes Weinzheimer, Jonathon Brown, and Timothy Brown. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara’s family would like to extend heart-felt gratitude for the many neighbors, caregivers, and her granddaughter, Shea, who helped her when they were not able to be with her, especially over the past few weeks.
At Barbara’s request, no services will be held, with a private gathering of family members to be held in the future.
sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel
