Connie Lou Barber

Connie Lou Barber, aged 79, residing in Puyallup, WA, passed away on March 27, 2023.

Connie was born on August 15, 1943, in Kendallville, Indiana, at McCoy Memorial Hospital to parents Howard and Eleanor Atkins. Connie grew up in Kendallville, Indiana, where she attended Wolcottville High School. She later began her journey into adulthood in Bloomington, Indiana, where she attended Indiana University, majoring in music.

Connie grew up with a deep faith in God and a passion for music. As noted by her mother in her baby book, Connie began saying prayers on her own at age 2.5 yrs old. She cultivated her talent for playing the piano, and her music brought joy and comfort to many. Additionally, growing up, Connie's family often spent time on the farm, fishing, and frequent visits to the county fair, where she also grew a love for horses.

Connie's love for God was evident in everything she did; Connie lived with the conviction of her calling to serve and love others by becoming an adoptive parent. She lived a full life, often enjoying playing the piano, drawing, painting, bird-watching, and spending time with her family.

Her greatest joy came from her family. At the age of twenty-four, she married Oliver Barber. They began their family with the birth of their first three children. As her family grew, so did her love. She opened her heart to six more children, whom she adopted as her own, giving them a home and a family filled with love and laughter.

Despite the challenges of raising a large family, she never wavered in her faith or her commitment to her loved ones. Many witnessed the sacrifice to love her children in many actions, including her commitment to home-schooling her children. Connie always put her needs before her own. Her home was a haven of love, warmth, and community, where many were welcome.

Her legacy will live on through her children, who will remember her as a loving and devoted mother. Her music will continue to inspire those to hear her play, and her faith will remain an example of what it means to live a life filled with love, grace, and compassion.

Connie is survived by Teresa Barber [Don], David Aragon, Daniel Aragon, Tamatha Selstad, Tyler Barber, Taytum Austin [Mike], Justus Barber, Elisa Barber, Jaquelyn Barber, 3 stepchildren, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her siblings, Thomas Atkins, Chuck Atkins, and Nancy Wilhelm, also survive Connie.

Connie leaves a legacy of love and sacrifice that will continue to inspire those who know her. As we celebrate this remarkable woman, we take comfort in knowing that she is now with her heavenly Father, where she will play her piano for all eternity. Family and Friends will never forget Connie's love, and her memory will live forever in those who knew and loved her.

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