Barbara Kirkpatrick Obituary

Barbara Jane Allen was born in Pasadena, CA but grew up in Santa Monica. She had fond memories and stories of living in a house right on the beach there with her folks and older brother, Robert. She always loved the beach and treasured her vacation visits back to the sand and sea.
Barbara married young, to Lewis Stephens in 1952. It was a difficult time when he was sent to war in Korea. Barbara waited for him, working at Bank of America in Salinas (near Fort Ord) until he could return home to her.
They moved to Redding in 1959 and bought a house there in 1965 – There they raised their two children, Kathleen and Christopher. Barbara would continue to live in that same home until 2023.
Barbara and Lew divorced. Barbara then met a dashing retired Lt. Colonel (Marine Corps), Floyd Kirkpatrick, and they married in 1975. They had a pool installed in their yard and made great use it during the hot Redding summers. They liked to entertain and hosted many fun parties. "Kirk" was a member of the Elks and they often participated in those events as well. They traveled together to Alaska and Tahiti and other jaunts around the US. They were in love and happily devoted to each until his death in 1997. She never remarried.
In Redding, Barbara worked at Safeway as a cashier and then at the front desk of Asher's Veterinary (now a VCA). She was a people person and an animal lover, so this was a perfect job for her and she enjoyed it for many years.
She was an avid reader. Even in later years, when her eyesight was failing, she took to listening to books on tape. She and her friend Lois would walk their dogs together, go to plays and local events, and even do their own version of 'Jazzercise' in the pool to Elvis music! She loved to watch 'her soaps' and looked forward to pizza and Survivor TV show nights with her step-daughter Lisa and husband Don each week. During her time in assisted living, Lisa would continue to visit often and they would enjoy their 'little margaritas' together. Such a kick, always enjoying life!
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathy Stephens (husband Bill Porter) of Phoenix, OR; son Chris Stephens (wife Rachel) of Crescent City, CA; step-daughter Lisa Ruh (husband Don) of Redding, CA; and step-grandson Barry Kirkpatrick Jr. of Oceanside, CA. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved "Kirk" in Dorris, CA.
Special Note: We want to express our fondest appreciation to the wonderful folks at Sundial Assisted Living and, albeit briefly, Bristol Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of our beautiful Mother. She always felt right at home, comfortable and cozy and safe. Thank you with all our hearts.
-the family