Barbara Ekker, 1933 ~ 2013
Oct 17, 2013 | 2772 views | 0 0 comments | 127 127 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Barbara Jean Baldwin Ekker, age 80, died Oct. 6, 2013 at her home in Hanksville, Utah, after a long illness. She was born Dec. 29, 1933 in Fruita, Colo., to Lillian Falconer and Virgil Baldwin.

Barbara’s mother died when she was only three years old and her aunt, Helen Falconer, moved in with them and raised Barbara and her sister Bonnie, until Barbara was in Junior High School and Helen’s health failed.

The family moved to Green River, Utah, where Barbara and Bonnie attended school and Virgil owned and operated the Midland Garage.

Barbara graduated from Green River High School in 1952 as Valedictorian. She attended the University of Utah for two years.

Barbara married Jesse Gibbons Ekker on July 13, 1954, in Price, Utah. They were the parents of seven children.

Barbara wrote for the Richfield Reaper, The Times-Independent and The Sun Advocate for many years and was the Ekker family record keeper. She was an election judge, substitute teacher, town board member, EMT and general pillar of Hanksville life for all the years she lived there.

Barbara is survived by her seven children: Neva (Ben) Pace, Loa, Utah.; Rita (James) Lewis, Hanksville; Sybil (James) Middleton, Niceville, Fla.; Justin (Kayla), Hanksville; Jodi (Alan) Walker, Kearns, Utah; Jason (Stacie), Teasdale, Utah; Cameron (Michaelene), Superior, Wy. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, aunt Helen and sister, Bonnie Warrington.

A memorial was held Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 in Hanksville at the Old Church.

Barbara was instrumental in restoring and preserving the Historic Old Church.
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