Barbara Lee Gaeke

Barbara was born on December 19, 1932, in Fresno, California. In 1945, her family relocated to San Diego County. She graduated from Kearny High School in 1951, where she was actively involved in student life, serving as a Song Leader and being crowned Prom Queen. She and her future husband, Melvin Stilson, were affectionately remembered as their high school’s Prom Queen and King. Barbara often reflected fondly on her high school years and the cherished friendships she maintained throughout her life.

In 1952, Barbara married Melvin Stilson, her high school sweetheart. Together, they raised three beautiful children together. Later, as a single mother, Barbara showed strength, grace, and unwavering dedication. She worked tirelessly to provide for her children, always with a smile and a generous heart. She retired after 27 years of dedicated service at Rohr Industries.Later in life, Barbara found love once again with Glenn Gaeke Sr., also a longtime employee of Rohr Industries. Though their paths had never crossed during their time at the company—she worked days, and he worked nights—a mutual friend introduced them, and they quickly formed a connection. After marrying, they moved in 1991 to Sun City West, Arizona. There, they enjoyed an active, joyful life together filled with travel, camping, and RV adventures until Glenn’s passing in 2005.

Barbara had a zest for life and warm, giving nature. She was endlessly creative, spending countless hours crafting dolls and scrapbooking. She truly loved and enjoyed her weekly bingo games with neighbors and friends. She had a special love for elephants, old movies, classic television and game shows. She appeared on The Price is Right game show and won the Showcase Showdown, a long-time wish of hers, resulting in a trip to Malaysia with her son Craig. She often spoke of the trip during family gatherings or conversations. She had, and thoroughly enjoyed, her one guilty pleasure, an occasional trip to the casino for a night of gambling. Photography held a dear place in her heart. She took great joy in capturing, organizing, and reflecting on family photos, often staying up late into the night, compiling her life story into scrapbooks filled with dates, pictures, and treasured memories. Barbara loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandson. One of the greatest testaments to her character was her lifelong friendship with Shirley, whom she met at the age of 12. Their bond endured across decades and life’s many seasons.

Barbara was preceded in death by: Father - Walter Womack, Mother - Avis Womack, Husband - Glenn Gaeke and Son - Stephen Stilson.

Barbara is survived by: Son - Craig Stilson and his wife Karen Stilson, Daughter - Susan Stilson, Sister - Janet Peters, Nieces - Debbie Hamel and Pam Bales, Daughter-in-law, Kimberely Frederick-Stilson, widow of her late son Stephen Stilson.8 grandchildren: Amber Stilson, Andrea Swanson (Tawon Swanson), Dustin Stilson, Chrisopher DeWitt, Amanda Brewcznski, and Kristeena Bugos-Stilson, and step grandsons, Cody and Austin. 10 great grandchildren: Jacob Corcino, Kaleb Corcino, Lexie Corcino, Mirakai Swanson, Devin Fimbres, Makaylah Cheeks, Kasey Dewitt, Mateo Lecourtois, Nyeli Lecourtois, and Marquez Duncan and one great great grandson- Damian Corcino.She was also a stepmother to Glenn’s 5 children.

Barbara's life was marked by kindness, resilience, and devotion to those she loved. Her joyful smile and generous heart will be remembered always.We will be having a private service, date yet to be determined. She will be placed to rest at Rosecrans’s Cemetery with her husband, Glenn Gaeke Sr.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the animal rescue or origination of your choosing on her behalf.