Barbara Wilma McKibben's Obituary
Barbara McKibben entered peacefully into rest on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 4 days, at her home with her family by her side. Barbara was born on Wednesday, May 10, 1939, in Griffith, Indiana to John A. and Mary Louise Utley Lake.
Raised in Albion, Illinois, Barbara eventually married her former classmate, David Lee McKibben. They had four children and became an Army family. They eventually made DeRidder, LA their home.
Barbara loved playing softball, coaching, gardening, art, working in the yard, and just plain keeping busy. In the late 1970’s, she began work at the papermill as the first woman hired to work on the machines, continuing to work full time and raised 4 teens. She retired after her health declined in the early 2000’s. Much could be written about her accomplishments but her greatest love was her family, always being there for us, and loving us no matter what. She taught us so much about so many things, but mostly love and family.
She will forever be remembered as a teacher, a coach, a go getter, a hard worker, a visionary, a friend, and most of all, a loving mom. We love you always.
Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Jeanne Sonnier of DeRidder, Kelly Robles of DeRidder, Kristina Campbell-Rickey and spouse April of Albion, Illinois, and John McKibben and spouse Sue of DeRidder; six grandchildren, Ryan Rivera and spouse Isaiah of DeRidder, Nickolas Robles of DeRidder, Caitlin Campbell of Albion, Illinois, Corey Perego of DeRidder, Casey Perego of DeRidder, and Catrina Jones of DeRidder; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Madden, Willow, Zoey, Alayna, and Adriella; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Louise Lake; brothers, Earl (Jack) Lake, and Jerry Louis Lake; grandson, Jordan Kyle Sonnier.
Cremation services have been entrusted to the care of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of DeRidder.
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