Barbara M. Jordan, 83
Barbara M. Jordan passed peacefully in her sleep on June 17, 2011, surrounded by her three loving and supportive daughters.
Born in Butte, Mont., on Oct. 11, 1927, Barbara moved with her parents and two older brothers to Pullman, Wash., at age 10. Attending local schools, she exhibited an early passion to share her enthusiasm in life, becoming president of Theta Rho Club and a very active member of Job's Daughters while working in her parents' soda shoppe. There she met her future lifetime husband, Bob Jordan, a US Air Force serviceman. Married early in life, they moved to Dalton Gardens in 1952 with five children with two more born later.
Raising seven children, Barbara continued her zest in life as a lifetime member of the Dalton Gardens PTA and chairperson of the school hot lunch program. In 1961, when the new school building replaced the original four room school house, she fought hard to preserve the old school with its four-sided roof and bell. Undaunted, she went to work in 1962 full-time at the school to help ends meet for their new Dalton home at the base of Canfield Mountain. Still she managed to volunteer more of her time, as a Blue Bird leader, a Campfire Girls guardian, and a 4-H leader.
Mom emphasized discipline and development for her children through participation. Church, Bible study, music, marching bands, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and good grades were standards. In 1972, with children out of the house, she turned to a life desire to continue her education. Attending North Idaho College, she obtained an Associates, then received her bachelors in professional accounting from Eastern Washington State University in 1976. Again she worked full-time for a large local business while pursuing outdoor activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, walking and swimming, winning several local swim events.
She continued her volunteer efforts and participation in several organizations as a member of Women's Accountants-treasurer, women's credit of Coeur d'Alene treasurer, order of Eastern Star, Queen Ester Chapter #12, Past Matrons OES life member of 60 years, vice president CDA Nile Club, Lady of the Elks Lodge #1254, member of Jobs Daughters for 60 years, Ladies of the Elks and Shriners Karnak Temple #6. She also was the volunteer accountant for Children's Village and helped with many of their annual fundraising events and auctions. She particularly looked forward to her computer and time at Children's Village as she held a special place in her heart for the people and organization.
Barbara requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Children's Village.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Bob, of 69 years and seven children: Robert: Pleasonton, Calif.; Barbara: Lancaster, Calif.; Patricia, Coeur d'Alene; David: Prescott, Wisc.; Steven: Tiekel, Alaska; Scott, Coeur d'Alene; and Kathleen: South Bend, Wash.
A service is planned Wednesday, June 22, at the Hayden Lake Yates Funeral Home at 11 a.m., with a gathering immediately after at the Hayden Lake Elks.