Carol Jean Barker

Carol Jean Barker (née Higginbotham)

September 28, 1931 – October 27, 2025

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

With love and gratitude, we remember the life of Carol Jean Barker, who passed away peacefully at Vineyard Park at South Hill in Spokane, Washington, on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 94.

Carol was born on September 28, 1931, in Kirkland, Washington, to Florence and Orval Higginbotham. She grew up in nearby Bothell with her older brother Donald and younger sister Margie. At Bothell High School, she sang in a girls’ choir and excelled at tennis. In her early years after graduation, she also learned to play the Hawaiian steel guitar.

After high school, Carol began her career at New World Life Insurance in Seattle and later held other office positions, developing strong skills as a dicta typist and stenographer. Around this same time, Alexander Vasey Barker had completed his degree in agriculture at Macdonald College in Truro, Quebec. After earning his degree, he took a driving job that brought him to Seattle. He quickly grew fond of the city and decided to stay, finding work in positions where he could apply his agricultural training, including at the Carnation Dairy. It was during this period that Carol attended a local dance in Seattle — the same dance Alex attended — and that chance meeting became the beginning of their lifelong partnership.

Carol and Alex married on November 10, 1952, and soon after moved to Alex’s family farm in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while Alex considered whether to pursue farming. Eventually, they returned to Washington, where Alex worked for many years at Malmo’s Nursery. After his time there, the family moved around Canada, living in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, while also spending time in the United States. All four of their children — Bruce, Brenda, Cindy, and Chris — were born in Washington, and together they were raised between the U.S. and Canada.

They were married for 46 years, until Alex’s passing in 1999. Carol often traveled by Greyhound bus between Canada and the U.S. before she learned to drive. It wasn’t until after Alex’s passing that she earned her driver’s license.

In the 1970s, Carol’s professional skills found a new purpose at home: she carefully typed many of Alex’s books. This quiet but meaningful contribution reflected her patience, dedication, and unwavering support. Her work behind the scenes helped bring his ideas to life, and she took pride in ensuring his writing was presented with care and precision.

Though she never sought the spotlight, Carol created a home filled with warmth and welcome. Their house in Trail, British Columbia, became a gathering place for family and friends, especially during ski trips to Red Mountain. She was known for her generosity, her hearty meals, and her ability to make everyone feel at home.

After Alex’s passing, Carol remained in Trail for several years before moving to Spokane, Washington, to be near her daughters.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Vasey Barker; her parents, Florence and Orval Higginbotham; and her older brother, Donald. She is survived by her younger sister, Margie; her four children — Bruce, Brenda, Cindy, and Chris; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who cherished their Aunt Carol.

In keeping with her wishes, Carol will be cremated. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home in Spokane, Washington. In the spring, a burial service will take place at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery in Lynnwood, Washington, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Alexander.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the love she poured into her family. She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.

Forever in Our Hearts

The family of Carol Barker wishes to thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

Flowers and Donations

Flowers are welcome and can be arranged through Carol’s obituary page on Legacy.com:

Carol Jean Barker Obituary on Legacy.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Carol’s name. www.alz.org

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