Barbara Howes 1937-2022
Barbara Alice Howes (née Parmentier), a 47-year resident of Golden, Colo., and former attendance secretary of Golden High School, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. She was surrounded by her loving husband and doting children.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Terry Gene Howes; her three children, Lauri Alice (Greg) Murphy (née Howes), Joel Edward (Star) Howes and Joshua John Howes; her seven grandchildren, Emily Caroline (Jon) Villines (née Murphy), Benjamin Edward (Paula) Murphy, Alexander Dominic (Jessica) Howes, Jordan Terry Howes, Lillian Helen Murphy, Oceana Grace Gamel Howes and Coral Catherine Gamel Howes; and great-grandchildren, Gregory James Villines, Vincent Luther Murphy and Dahlia Cordillera Howes.
Barbara is predeceased by her mother, Helen Grace Parmentier (née Sharp); her father, Edward Harvey Parmentier; and her great-granddaughter, Violet Marie Murphy.
Barbara was born Oct. 9, 1937, in Greeley, Colo. She moved in 1942 with her parents to Whiting, where she spent her school years. Barbara received her education at Whiting School (1-12), where she met her husband Terry in 1945. In high school, Barbara was named “most ambitious girl” and “smartest girl,” and she graduated in 1955 as school valedictorian. As a senior, Barbara was voted “Queen Of The Carnival.” She was president of Student Council and chairman of the school magazine.
Barbara and Terry were childhood sweethearts, meeting in grade school and falling in love in high school. The two were married May 20, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Whiting, fulfilling Barbara’s high school dream “to marry Terry.” The two honeymooned in New Orleans.
Before eventually settling in Golden, Colo., the young couple lived in Whiting, Topeka, Manhattan, Kansas City, Mo., Fort Sill, Okla., Independence, Mo., Sugar Creek, Mo., Sedalia, Mo., and Dexter, Mo., and gave birth to their three children Lauri, Joel, and Joshua (Sept. 7, 1959; Jan. 31, 1961; and Nov. 10, 1971, respectively). The family moved in 1975 to Golden, Colo., where Terry continues to reside.
Barbara was a woman of gumption, determination, love and many talents. She was a rodeo princess and played basketball and drums in high school. She was a skilled seamstress and avid quilter, making all of her children’s clothing, blankets and homewares. She worked with at-risk youth throughout her time in Golden, as well as volunteering at domestic violence shelters for women.
Barbara traveled the world with her husband and her mother, visiting all seven continents. She spent annual camping trips, visits to Alaska and rafting adventures with her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her best friends Rosie Cisneros, Jo Ann Nelson Williams and Cheryl Kotchis, and the Aqua Aerobics Class at the Golden Community Center.
A memorial will be held at a date and location yet to be decided.
(PAID OBITUARY)
