Barbara Carriker
April 13, 1926 ~ February 13, 2013
Barbara P. Carriker, age 86, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Bethany Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.
Barb was born on April 8, 1926 to Walter and Helen (Lockwood) Mulford in Rockford, IL. After high school, she enrolled at Blackburn College, in Carlinville, Illinois. She graduated with a degree in education. She married William Carriker on May 29, 1949. They spent several years in North Carolina while Bill was stationed at Cherry Point with the Marine Corps. After his discharge from service in 1954, they settled in central Illinois. Both worked in education in Illinois. She taught Social Studies for many years in the Springfield School District. She completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Bemidji State College in 1974 and finished her career as a high school counselor at Southeast High School in Springfield.
Barb and Bill spent summers and holidays at their cabin north of Bemidji, MN and planned to retire at that location. Bill was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1982. Barb stayed in the Bemidji area working for the Area Agency on Aging. In 1988 she returned to Illinois where she lived in Rockford and Springfield. In 1997, she moved to Fargo where she lived until her death.
While in Fargo she volunteered with the Giving and Learning program tutoring new immigrants in preparation for their citizenship tests. She participated in RSVP+ and was active at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fargo. She was known for bringing treats to offices and friends to brighten a day. She moved to Riverview Place in 2008 and then to Bethany Nursing Home in 2010, where she remained until her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jerry, infant daughter Jennifer, and husband Bill. She is survived by her brother Keith, two children, Rebecca (Joseph) Burns of Fargo, Brian (Denise) Carriker of Lindstrom, MN, and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at Plymouth Congregational Church in Fargo on Saturday, February 16, with visitation at 2:00 P.M. and services at 3:00 P.M. She will be buried alongside her husband, Bill, in Raymond, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to donor’s choice.
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Springfield IllinoisBecky, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts, my love, and my prayers are with your mother, you, and your family.
Thank you Barb for your many kindnesses.
Stoddard New HampshireTo Becky, Brian, Uncle Keith and all the family- my love to all of you – Aunt Barb will be greatly missed. I have many fond memories to keep close to my heart, and wish I was there to hug you all in person. Hope she is with all our mutual loved ones who have gone on before her. Shawn sends his sympathy and a hug for each as well.
Arlington Hts. ILBecky, Brian and your families:
We were saddened to hear of Aunt Barb’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have such fun memories of both your mom and dad. May your own wonderful memories of your mom live in your hearts always.
With our condolences,
Kim and Linda
Fargo Becky, Joe and family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Hilary has fond memories of Anna’s grandma. It warmed our hearts that Hilary’s and Anna’s grandmas lived next to each other for a time on Willow Lane.
Love and prayers,
Carol, Steve and Hilary
Bemidji MN
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Barb at the Area Agency on Aging, and had the privilege of keeping in touch with her over the years following that. She was an incredible lady, with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor! She loved her family and was incredibly proud of those grandkids. She will be deeply missed!
Fargo ND
Barbara was a wonderful volunteer and was so kind to bring treats to the office. I’ll never forget the nice lunch she made for me and the wonderful visit.
Barbara was a lovely person may she rest in peace.
Love and Prayers to the family.