BARBARA WESTFALL

BARBARA WESTFALL 1929 - 2011 After nearly 44 years, Barbara and George are together again. On January 31, 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 January 14. Due to the extraordinary care provided by EMT's, Dr's, and Nurse's 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 on January 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 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 Gleanor 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 drawng 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, 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 loyality 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 Sunday, February 6, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho, and for one hour prior to services from 10:00 -11:00 A.M. at the Kimberly Stake Center. Funeral Services for Barbara will be held Monday, February 7, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kimberly Stake Center 3857 N. 3500 E. Kimberly, Idaho. Interment will follow services at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Twin Falls, Idaho. All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.