Barbara Horkley

Barbara Jeane Horkley, 89, a long-time resident of Idaho Falls, passed away June 17, 2015, at The Gables of Ammon Assisted Living Center, under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice, and surrounded by her family. Barbara was born June 11, 1926, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the daughter of Adrian and Pearl (Benzon) Squires. She was the oldest of four children in the Squires family. She had two younger brothers (Richard and Ken) and one younger sister (Ruth). When Barbara was only five years old, her father passed away, and the Squires family used the insurance money to purchase a house on 2nd Street in Idaho Falls. Barbara spent much of her early years attending school and helping to raise her younger brothers and sister. She attended Emerson Elementary, O.E. Bell Jr. High, and Idaho Falls High School. When Barbara was 17, she met John Horkley while she was working at C.C. Andersons. Barbara and John dated for a very short time when John had to return to his military post at Pratt Army Airfield in Kansas. Shortly after returning to Kansas, John sent Barbara an engagement ring. Barbara accepted the proposal and traveled to Kansas to marry John. Barbara and John were married on May 19, 1944, in Kansas at Pratt Army Airfield. Once the war was over, Barbara and John moved back to Idaho and lived in Rexburg. By now they had one child (Robert) and soon after had two more (Linda and Michael). Once the Korean War started, John was recalled to active duty and Barbara and her three children moved back to Idaho Falls with her mother, Pearl. Once John was discharged from the Air Force, the family was reunited, and soon thereafter, purchased a home in Idaho Falls on Wheeler Street. This is the home where their fourth and final child (Patrick) was born, and where Barbara and John spent the remaining years of their lives. They were the very loving grandparents to 17 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Barbara’s family was the light of her life and she continuously demonstrated her unconditional love for each and every one of her family members. Barbara worked many jobs throughout her life to include Hearts Bakery, Woolworth (Counter Clerk), C.C. Andersons, Johnson’s Bakery, Singer Sewing Center (sales and sewing instructor), the Party Shop (Bridal Department), and at her home as a homemaker and loving mother. Of all her jobs, her favorite was being at home as a homemaker where she could be with her children who she loved so very much. Barbara was a very kind, caring, and loving mother to her children. Barbara had many interests and hobbies throughout her life to include gardening, painting, sewing, fishing, camping, reading, and some traveling within the United States. Her flower gardens were always beautiful with many varieties of flowers and plants. Of all her hobbies and interests, camping and fishing seemed to be her favorite. Barbara and her husband, John, were always camping and fishing with their children while their children were young. Later in life they spent most of the summer months in the mountains camping and fishing with their children and grandchildren. Barbara’s family has many fond memories of camping with her. Everyone always had such a wonderful time. Barbara will always be remembered for her bright smile. No matter how good or bad things were for Barbara, she always had a smile for everyone. She was a very gentle and caring wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She had a very easy-going personality and was never judgmental towards anyone. She was a beautiful person who was a shining example to everyone. Barbara will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. Barbara is survived by her sons, Robert (Dianne) Horkley, Michael (Jill) Horkley, Patrick (Teresa) Horkley; daughter, Linda (Ross) Gneiting; sister, Ruth (William) Howe; 17 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Horkley; parents, Adrian and Pearl Squires; brother, Richard Squires; and son-in-law, Ross Gneiting. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2015, at the Ammon LDS North Stake Center, 4363 East 17th Street, with Bishop Jared Kunz of the Ammon 21st Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Monday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Grant-Central Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

11:00 a.m. ,Monday, June 22, 2015 Ammon LDS North Stake Center 4363 East 17th Street Ammon, ID, Bonneville 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial in Grant-Central Cemetery.