Barbara Van Duker Obituary

Barbara Fern Van Duker

May 10, 1933 - November 5, 2024

Twin Falls, Idaho - Barbara Fern Smith Van Duker, 91, of Twin Falls, Idaho passed away peacefully, Nov 5th, 2024 after a recent illness. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by family.

Barbara was born in Portland, Oregon to her parents, Fay Melissa Windward and her father, Jack Earl Smith. She was the third of four children. Her family moved to Tacoma Washington during her elementary years and was a 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School.

Shortly after graduating, she met her sweetheart and eternal companion, Norman Clifford Van Duker. They married January 18th, 1951 and were parted by Norman's death in 2008- at total of 57 years.

Barbara was a talented painter and gardener. Among her many other talents and hobbies, she enjoyed cake decorating, yoga, sewing and ceramics. She was also an active and life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Barbara is survived by her five children, her daughter, Linda Sinden and her spouse Don, son, Norman J. Van Duker, son, John Douglas Van Duker and his spouse, Cydney, daughter, Charlene F. Nelson and her spouse, Keith and son, Bradford S. Van Duker and his spouse, Lorraine. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.

Viewing will be held Saturday, November 16th, 11:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. followed by the funeral to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gig Harbor ward, 8002 Dorotich St. Gig Harbor,WA. Interment will follow at the New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd., West University Pl., WA.