Linda Barber
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — Linda Lorraine Barber, 79, was born on June 11, 1940, and passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Linda was born in Polson, to Clarice and Lloyd McAllister. As the oldest of six children raised on a ranch, her upbringing shaped her to be tough, adventurous, nurturing, and resilient.
Linda was a lifelong mother at heart, attended the University of Montana, was a caring teacher, and had a 28 year career with the Social Security Administration.
She married Arnold “Rusty” McConnell in 1955 and raised her first four children with him. When Rusty passed unexpectedly in 1972, Linda’s strength and dedication to her children saw her through. In 1976 she married Richard “Dick” Barber and they moved to Venetie, Alaska, in 1977. She raised her two youngest children with Dick and retired to Kasilof, Alaska, where she embraced her love for the outdoors, family, and friends.
Linda enjoyed adventuring and making things with her own two hands. You could often find her camping, fishing, sewing, cooking, and crafting. What she loved most was spending time with her family and dear friends, never missing an opportunity to feed people or stir up some fun.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband Rusty McConnell; her husband Dick Barber; her parents Clarice and Lloyd McAllister; brothers Vic, Danny, and Chip McAllister; her son-in-law and daughter-in-law Glenn West and Elsie McConnell; her niece and nephew Crystal McAllister and Ty McKay; and her great-niece Liberty Ann Niemeyer.
Linda is survived by her children, Deb West, Mike McConnell, Barb (Art) Caballero, Mitch (June) McConnell, Brandi Barber, and Megan Palagyi; her sisters, Sharon (Bruce) Simpson, Cindy McAllister-St. Clair; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Some of Linda’s ashes will be taken to the Kasilof River and later she will be laid to rest at the cemetery in Polson, with her family.
Please visit: http://linda-lorraine-barber.lastingmemories.com for photos and more information.
The family of Linda Barber wishes to thank Iluminada’s Assisted Living Home II, Care Coordinators of Alaska, and Providence Hospice.
