Barbara Loraine Meeker
January 1, 1925 - April 4, 2018
Obituary
Barbara L. Meeker, born in January of 1925 in Visalia, CA, to parents William and Neola Parker, passed away April 4th at the age of 93, in her home. Barbara grew up in a large family, primarily in the towns of Parkdale and Nyssa, OR. She graduated from high school in Stanfield, OR. Barbara lived in Pasco, WA, after high school and worked for the Pasco Carpenter’s Union until 1950. She met and married her late husband, Ronald L. Meeker, in 1954, in Seattle, WA. Barbara worked various jobs until she and a friend started a business they called, “Century Secretarial Service,” in 1958. They owned this business until 1968 when she and Ron moved to Los Angeles, CA, and then Cinncinnati, OH. During this time they took a trip around the world, visiting Europe and Japan. The couple moved back to Seattle in 1971, where Barbara began working for Weyerhauser, until she eventually retired.
Barbara is preceded in death by her spouse, Ron, of 51 years, her parents, and her brothers Duran, Duane, Dwight and Lloyd. She is survived by her brothers Harold (Darlene “Dolly”) Parker of Kennewick, WA; William H. “Joe” Parker, Jr. of San Gabriel, CA; sisters Ruth (Bill) Kelly of Lancaster, CA; Janice (Terry) Witherspoon of Hermiston, OR; three step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.
Her interests included golfing, sewing, crocheting, traveling, camping, watching baseball and enjoying music. Along with several other couples, she and Ron developed the Twin Cedars Retirement community, working together to plan the development of the property and create the bylaws that still govern the park today. Barbara was an active member of the retirement community, serving various times on the Board, including being elected President of the Board for two separate terms. For many years, her passion has been supporting women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse, by sewing linens and blankets and donating them to Hope Place at Seattle Union Gospel Mission.
I was blessed to meet Barbara at Weyerhaeuser. We worked at WTC (Technology Center) for many years as part of the admin support team. Barbara was the consummate professional. A role model. It is good to read more about Barbara’s life. Her generosity toward Hope Place is a new, lovely awareness.