Barbara Jane (Cook) Heath

Barbara J. Heath, 86, passed away Friday, March 13, 2015, in Bend, Oregon. She had family by her side as her struggle with dementia and lung disease ended. Barbara was born in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, to Harold and Nellie Cook. At age 9, her family moved to Portland, OR, where she grew up in a neighborhood with close friends and family. Her future husband lived down the street. She married Eugene P. Heath, Jr. (Gene), August 9, 1945. Genes career with Fish & Wildlife lead them to Ruby Lake, NV, Malheur Refuge, Burns, OR, Lakeview, OR, and Kenai, AK. They moved to Bend in 1985. After Genes death, Barbara returned to Kenai in July, 1998, to live with her daughter. Declining health and daughters retirement brought her back to Bend in 2013, to be closer to family. Barbara spent her earlier years raising 6 children and learning how to succeed as a city girl living in remote areas and small towns. While in Alaska, she worked in the local hospitals kitchen. She enjoyed the 11 years in Alaska with Gene and the many friendships made there. She was very active in TOPS and the Kenai Senior Center. Barbara enjoyed crafts, dancing, bell ringing, music, plays, and flowers. She was a voracious reader. She enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Mexico, a Caribbean cruise, and family gatherings in Las Vegas, Florida, Alaska and Oregon. Her family was very important to her, and she loved them all. She will be missed immensely and never forgotten. Barbara is survived by her sons Michael (Cathy), North Carolina; David, Plush, OR; Leilan, Lakeview, OR; Douglas (Barb), West Virginia; Richard, Kenai, AK; and her daughter Cheryl Samples, Bend, OR. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Andrew, Cassandra, Dwayne, Dan, Marshall, Michael, Wayne, and Casey Heath; Scott, Stephen, and Stephanie Samples; Karma Carey; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters Nellie Henderson, Dorothy Cook, and brother George (Ray) Cook; sisters-in-law Peggy Denfeld, Margy Hunter, and Norma Cole. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Gene Heath, grandson Drew Heath, son-In-law Norman Samples, parents Harold and Nellie Cook. A memorial gathering of family will take place in June. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Barbara Jane (Cook) Heath

July 19, 1928 - March 13, 2015