Barbara Jeanne Champion

Barbara Jeanne Champion, 83, of Wasilla, Alaska passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 with her family at her side.

She was born on May 5, 1933 in Long Beach, California. She graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego, California in 1950. In 1952, she married David L. Champion. They raised their children in Lake Tahoe, California, and then moved the family to Anchorage, Alaska in 1975. Barbara and David purchased a farm in Wasilla in 1977. They enjoy many years harvesting hay with their family. Barbara retired from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources in 1994. She also resided in Sacramento, California, College Station, Texas and Glendale, Arizona before returning to Alaska in 2015.

She resided at Primrose Assisted Living in Wasilla. In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed dancing and sports. In her later years, Barbara planned her day around watching her favorite soap operas while drinking a delicious coffee and eating her favorite biscotti. Barbara was a devout catholic and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Family was of the upmost importance to Barbara and she loved sharing stories about her loved ones with anyone who would listen. Barbara’s family described her as a loving mother and grandmother, who had a contagiously warm laugh and smile.

She will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her children, David Jr., Mark, and Joseph. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Deborah Champion; and grandchildren Christian, Lindsay, Robert, Jeffrie, Carol, Krissy, Joey, Jordan, Emily; and 11 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert E. and June Louise Reid; her husband, David L. Champion Sr.; and her brother, Herbert James Leon Reid.

Memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Wasilla, Alaska.