Barbara June Brower

Barbara June (Church) Brower Barbara passed away peacefully on July 6, 2010, at her home in Cottonwood, CA, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with cancer. Barbara was born on June 16, 1924, in Newport, Idaho to Raymond and Gertrude (Burnham) Church and came to Northern California with her family in 1932. Her first career was to successfully raise her children. Then, in the 1960’s, she began a series of exciting and fulfilling experiences to include becoming a Farmer’s Insurance agent and then a commercial fisherman. She enjoyed hunting and was a lifetime member of Pacific International Trapshooting Association. She raised prize horses and loved working in her flower gardens. She enjoyed life and people. Always ready with a compliment, Barbara found good in even the coarsest people she met. She made lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. Her fondest memories were of the times spent on the ocean: from riding out the great storms to experiencing glass smooth seas; from fishing icy Alaskan waters to sailing with the gray whales off Mexico. She often spoke of being closest to God when she was on the ocean. And she always spoke fondly of the many friendships she established there, even those who were only voices on the ship’s radio during late night watches. She will always be remembered for being a loving, generous, kind and supportive wife, mother, and friend. Even while battling her cancer, she was most concerned about the welfare of others. She was upbeat and positive when friends visited or called so that they wouldn’t worry about her. She consistently offered her thanks to caregivers during her surgeries and treatments, and was especially grateful for the hospice staff who were so kind during her last days. Barbara is survived by her husband of 26 years, Leo Ray Brower, who resides at their home in Cottonwood; her son by a previous marriage, Harleigh Calame (Gerry) of Fredonia, KS; her step-son, Larry Brower (Luana) of Cottonwood and step-daughter, Diane Jaukin (Rick) of Wasco, Oregon; her sisters, Harriet Bean of Corning, and Dorothy Alred of Yreka; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. She will also be missed by her church family at First Assembly of God in Cottonwood. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Church; daughter by a previous marriage, Bobbie Lee (Ward) Roberts; and step-son, Richard Brower. Funeral arrangements are being provided by Girdner’s Funeral Chapel in Yreka. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Yreka on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good News Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 991626, Redding, CA 96099 or to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Margaret St., Redding, CA 96001.

Barbara June Brower

June 16, 1924 - July 6, 2010