We Remember
BARKMAN, Betty
—
On June 9, 2023, at the age of 84, our beautiful wife, mother, grandma, aunt, sister, and friend passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of Jesus with her family at her side. Even in the midst of her struggle with Dementia, her sweet, loving nature always radiated through.
Until we meet again, Betty will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband and best friend of nearly 63 years, Walter Barkman; her children, Colleen (Kelvin) Giesbrecht and Yvonne (Perry) Hildebrandt; her four grandchildren, Candace, Michael (Jamie), Taylor, and Kendall (Jaymie); and by her sister Marian (Bill) and her brothers Wilbert (Myrnie) and Irvin (Dorothy), and by her many brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Margaret Kroeker, and her sisters, Dorothy and Alvina.
Betty was born on April 22,1939, in Morris, Manitoba and was raised on the family farm in Rosenort, the second eldest of six children. She met Walter, who also grew up in the same village, and they were married on June 24, 1960, in Rosenort, Manitoba. Over their 63+ years together, Betty and Walter lived in Rosenort and Flin Flon, Manitoba, and now in Kelowna, BC since 1970.
Betty was a loving and caring wife and mother. She was clearly gifted in hospitality and made everyone entering their home feel warm and accepted. Betty loved to prepare food and entertain. She especially enjoyed cooking Sunday lunch regularly for her dear family and grandchildren and enjoyed having friends over for fellowship after church on a Sunday night. Betty was an amazing seamstress and was known for creating professional quality garments. Her Singer sewing machine was regularly whirling. She worked tirelessly alongside Walter during the construction of numerous homes over the years, painting entire houses and supporting Walter with whatever was needed. She sang for many years in the church choir, was a Guide in Pioneer Girls at the Kelowna Alliance Church, and, in her later years, was involved in the Care and Share group at Evangel Church. She absolutely loved being a grandma, and her grandchildren adored her.
Betty accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour at a young age and lived her life loving and following Jesus. She reflected God’s love so beautifully with the tenderness and care she bestowed to everyone that crossed her path.
Betty, Mom, Grandma – you will be truly missed and will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. We love you always and forever.
There will be a Celebration of Life and Funeral Service to honour Betty on TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023, at 1:00PM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME (2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC). For those not able to attend in person, Betty’s funeral will be live streamed (please see below). A recording of Betty’s Celebration of Life will also be available to view after the service.
As an expression of sympathy, a floral arrangement can be securely ordered online through Springfield Funeral Home at springfieldfuneralhome.ca/flowers, or from a local Kelowna florist shop, and request the flowers to be delivered for Betty’s funeral service on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023, at 1:00PM
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
My greatest condolences to such a beautiful woman inside and out. Betty was such an honourable lady. She was always polite well dressed and had her eye on the Lord. Walter you gave Betty exactly what she needed. Attending to her every moment and always bringing her every Saturday morning for her hair apt. It was my pleasure to have those moments with Betty. The lord knew it was time and now she may rest and you also Walter. Bless your family
Vanessa Lewry
Condolences to the wider Barkman clan over Betty’s passing. Her strong legacy and clear witness will serve to give you comfort
My condolences to Walter and Walter and Betty’s daughters and extended family and friends. Betty was such a sweet kind lady and a lady who believed in prayer. I am praying comfort for all of you as you as you navigate life with Betty’s absence. God keep you in His peace. With love from Susan Barkman
Please accept our condolences to you brother Walter and your children. I remember Betty as being bright and cheerful and welcoming whenever we visited. I am so glad we could have a visit in August of 2022.. Even though she didn”t say much she smiled the whole time. I am sure she will be missed but those in Christ will meet her again.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Betty was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed and remembered.
To my dear brother Walter and your family. Betty and I send our sincerest condolences to you on the home going of your dear Betty. We were so happy to be able to stop by on May 28 for coffee. We have many good memories of visits and we remember her warm smile and she always had delicious food to serve us. We will miss her and our prayers are with you as you walk through the valley of pain and sorrow but joy comes in the morning. We love you and will continue to pray for all of you.