Barbara Spaulding

Barbara Ann Spaulding was born on August 10, 1947, to Arlene Edna (Shelley) Spaulding and James Oscar Spaulding. Barbara was born in Auburn, California, and was the oldest of eight children. Throughout her childhood Barbara lived in various places including Klamath Falls, Oregon, Colorado, and. Nevada. Barbara’s father was a miner and due to his job, the family moved frequently.

When Barbara was young, she enjoyed many different activities such as riding bikes, swimming, hiking, bowling, and tennis. (She laughed as she explained that she was not always good at these, but she always tried). Barbara also enjoyed going to ball games, riding horses, and was a cheerleader in the 8th grade. Barbara loved spending time with her parents, siblings, and numerous cousins. With such a large family there was always something going on and a friend nearby. Barbara had two children, Denise Ann Gorelick and Aaron Dean Whitman and three very special grandchildren, Aliya, Benjamin, and Alexandra. Although they were not close, due to circumstances beyond their control, each of these people had a huge part of Barbara’s heart.

As this was not the typical obituary, I had the pleasure of and heartbreak of sitting down with Barbara and speaking with her about her memories. We spoke about what stood out the most in her past and what she would like for people to remember about her. The happiest times in her life were when her children Denise and Aaron were born. Barbara had many fond memories of her parents and even spoke of giving her mom a private single song guitar concert at one point. She was always very close with her mother and spoke of the very special bond that they had, she stated that her mother understood her better than anyone else in the world. She told me about her interest in musical instruments and how she had attempted many, including piano, drums, guitar, clarinet, and violin. Barbara enjoyed holiday and family gatherings with games and great food. The love and laughter were always uplifting times for her. Barbara also enjoyed going to MIchael’s and doing crafting classes from time to time; and she was especially proud of the Christmas wreath she had made at one of the classes. She enjoyed going shopping, gardening, and exercising at Planet Fitness. Barbara told me that cousin Donna had a special word for our family, and it was spelled “FROUSINS” friends4cousins and she was so thankful for all of the ones that she had, in her words, “I have the best cousins ever and I have a whole slew of them!”

Barbara was diagnosed with untreatable cancer in the beginning of 2024 and had taken an active role in steps towards completing her final plans. She passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 76, in her home with daughter Denise by her bedside.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Edna Arlene (Shelley) Spaulding, James Oscar Spaulding, and baby brother Richard.

Barbara is survived by her children Denise Ann Gorelick and Aaron Dean Whitman, grandchildren Aliya, Benjamin, and Alexandra, brother, Howard (Lynn), brother Roy (Irene), sister Gerri Morgan, sister Nannetta Hamrick, sister Judy Johnson, brother James, brother Gary, and numerous nieces and nephews, and many special cousins.

A public visitation will be held at O’Hair-Wards Funeral Chapel on Friday April 5, from 4-5 pm. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday April 6, 2024, at Bonanza Memorial Park.