Obituary of Carol Ann (Kinkelaar) Barrett

 

Born in Dodge City, Kansas, Carol Ann Barrett made her way to her home in Boise, Idaho, alongside the enduring love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Barrett. Throughout their 59 years together, they made new stories, serenaded one another, and often found themselves laughing to tears simply from the joy of each other’s company.

 

While her children were in school, Carol taught water aerobics at the YMCA where she was named “Employee of the Year.” Adventures with her children (and eventually grandchildren) often included trips to swimming pools and hot springs. Later, she and Gene would take their travels international: organizing high school student tours through Mexico and a six month sabbatical in Europe. Gene explored the Bavarian countryside on bicycle with Carol at his side on a moped.

 

Creativity and storytelling were Carol's natural talents. While taking Gene's students to Mexico, she produced a chronicle of their daily adventures, and while in senior living, she wrote a play. She passed her creativity and storytelling genes on to her children and grandchildren. Carol’s storytelling permeated her home. Vintage glassware displayed in the front window, Dutch wooden shoes sat by the fireplace, and a vintage piano in the living room, inviting all to play, these were more than just objects to her—they were an invitation to a world of memories. On that piano, she taught her grandchildren to accompany her in duets of "Chopsticks" and "Heart and Soul." She taught them card games, such as Pig, and played round after round of Upwords, her favorite tile-based word game. She knitted hardy Afghans that keep them warm to this day. The focal point of her home was her photographic family tree, her ever present reminder of her legacy.

 

She often reminisced about nights at the roller skating rink and early days with Gene. Carol was seldom seen without her coral lipstick. Her penchant for bright colors, bold jewelry, and her ever present smile illuminated every space she entered.

 

Carol passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, leaving behind an indelible legacy: a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and neighbor, her warmth and laughter resonated with all who knew her. Predeceased by Gene and their eldest son, Anthony (Tony); her legacy lives on through Tony’s wife, Delora, their children, Brandon Barrett and Devin (Hans) Avery, and great-grandchild Indigo; Patrick (Trudy) Barrett, their child, Raeann Barrett, and great-grandchild Isabella; Susan (Dan, former) Scovel, their children, Daniela Scovel (Jake Kuwana) and Sarah (James) Worthen, and great-grandchildren James, Adam, and Zach.

 

Carol's boundless kindness made her a community pillar. Whether sharing garden flowers with strangers or checking in on neighbors, her compassion left a lasting impression. Those fortunate enough to experience one of Carol's encompassing hugs know the depth of her love. While she will be profoundly missed, her legacy of love, storytelling, brightness, and her enduring love story with Gene will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

 

At this time, there are no memorial services planned, though she has not escaped the thoughts of her closest kin. In honoring Carol's memory, may we all strive to live with as much love, generosity, and vibrancy as she did.

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