Geraldine Virginia Barker

Geraldine entered into rest at the age of 87 with her family by her side at home in Spokane, Washington on June 1, 2016. Geraldine was born to Jack and Lydia Wagner on May 12, 1929 in Spokane, Washington. She was one of five children. Known to most as Geri or Cookie, she attended Garden Springs elementary and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School, Spokane, Washington. She met Harold Barker while he was stationed at Fairchild A.F.B. and they were married in 1949. The family was stationed in the United Kingdom at R.A.F. Burtonwood where daughter Sandra and son Harold Jr. were born. The family grew with the addition of Donna (Chicago Il.,Chanute A.F.B.), Jack and Phyllis (Sacramento Ca., Mather A.F.B.). Other assignments included Loring A.F.B. Maine and Larsen A.F.B. Washington which was Harold’s last duty assignment before retiring. Upon retirement the family moved to Oak Harbor, and relocated to Spokane after Harold passed away. Geraldine worked as a waitress at the Highland House and Golden Hour restaurants before retiring in 1991. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed having her grandchildren stay overnight with her. It was a special treat to stay at Grandma Barkers. She was always there to play any game the grandchildren desired, have coffee breaks, take them to the dollar store, and best of all, allowed them several trips to the “ canby jar.” On New Years, she and the grand kids would grab pots and pans and bang them on the way out the back door and bringing in the New Year through the front door. She had fun fishing at Diamond Lake and Badger Lake (Mother's Hole). She loved growing violets, enjoyed gardening and had a love for butterflies and red breasted robins. Geri would never turn down a chance to go to the casino and no one could visit her without playing a game of "Dummy Rummy". Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her Parents, twin brother, two sisters and later in life companions Walt Rose and Morrie Sandstrom. She is survived by her sister Lucille Krell: Five children; Sandra Potampa, Harold Jr. (Karen) Barker, Donna (Steve) Kiehn, Jack (Peggy) Barker and Phyllis (Mike) O'Connor; Grandchildren: Kirstie, Lyndsey, Daniel, Christine, Billy, Jennifer, Celeste, Joshua, Fred, Kyle, Mike Jr, and Michelle; Great Grandchildren: Madelyn, Neil, Maddux, Nolan, Ella, Bailey, Zach, Rylie, Kaylee, Joesey, Avery, Andrew, Kelsey, Connor, Harper, Taylor, Landon, Gaven, Alex, A.J.; Great-Great Grandson: Asher.