Jeanne Barker

Jeanne Barker was born on Oct. 9, 1942. She passed away on March 25, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jeanne was the firstborn child of Jack and Lucille Zappone of Spokane, Washington. She was the oldest of seven children. Jeanne was very close to her only brother Joe and often reminisced on the trouble they would get into as young children. She also had a very close relationship to her sister Peggy, who always made her laugh with her stories.

Jeanne graduated from Gonzaga University, where she met her future husband, Jim. They were married in 1966.  Jeanne’s life was defined by her love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Jeanne had a very independent spirit, which she credited her father with instilling in her. Her father insisted that all his daughters have an education and be able to support themselves. She carried on that tradition by encouraging all her children to receive higher education and follow their passions. Jeanne took a special interest in all that her children were doing. Whether that was coaching her daughter’s softball team, selling girl scout cookies, attending boy scout meetings, or driving four hours to watch one of her child’s baseball or basketball games, Jeanne always went the extra mile for her children.

Jeanne spent her early career as a medical technician before taking time off to raise five children. She resumed her career in the early 1990s and continued until her retirement in 2004 from United Blood Services. Jeanne filled her retirement with her many hobbies, such as sewing, embroidery, crafting and horseback riding. She delighted in making homemade cards and embroidered gifts for family and friends. She was constantly taking classes to learn new crafts and expand her sewing skills. Jeanne discovered a passion for horseback riding later in life. She enjoyed taking care of her beloved horses, Di, Button, and Beau.

Most of all, Jeanne loved spending time with her grandchildren and was fondly referred to as “grandma daycare.” Her grandchildren were a very important part of her life. She spent countless hours taking her grandchildren on outings, baking with them, playing with them, attending their activities and snuggling while watching movies. They will forever cherish the memories of their doting grandma who lived to make them smile.

Preceding Jeanne in death were her brother Joe; sister Marceen; sister Bette; and parents Jack and Lucille. Jeanne is survived by her husband Jim; son David (Wendy); daughter Carrie; son Robert (Kelda); daughter Aimee (Brad); daughter Stacee; and her adored grandchildren, Kelsey, Lindsey, Gabe, Abby and Paige. Jeanne is also survived by her sister Peggy; sister Julie; and sister Cindy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She shared a lifelong friendship with her childhood friend Diane.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Take Two Equine horse rescue at taketwoequinerescue.com.