Barbara Harkey

Barbara Ellen Wahl Harkey was born on June 16, 1933, in Iowa City, Iowa to Paul and Luella Wahl and passed away on August 21, 2018. The family moved to Las Cruces, NM, in 1948. Barbara graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1951. Barbara met Howard Harkey through a friend and they were married on August 19, 1951. They moved to the ranch in 1953 and were married 61 years until Howard's death in 2012.

Barbara was a housewife and a charter member of the Community United Presbyterian Church at Ancho, NM, serving as treasurer for 40 years. She was also an active member of the United Presbyterian Women.
Barbara was very proud of her children and served as room mother for many years. She also attended many of her children's and grandchildren's sporting events. She contributed a weekly column for the Lincoln County News about the goings-on in Ancho.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Dan (Wei) of Fremont, Ca, and Steve (Donna) of Carrizozo, NM; three daughters, Susan Truitt (Rob) of Las Cruces, NM; LuEllen Dockray (Ralph) of Alamogordo, NM, and Carol Parra (Abie) of Mimbres, NM, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Warren Harkey (Marylin) and Larry Gioannini of Las Cruces and sisters-in-law Jan Wahl, of Omaha, NE, Marilyn Gioannini, of Las Cruces and Ellen Harkey of Rochester, MN, as well as four nephews and three nieces.

She is predeceased by her husband, Howard Harkey; her parents, Paul and Luella Wahl; brother, Fritz Wahl and granddaughter Amy Baylie.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Katie Barela, caregiver.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 25 at the Ancho Presbyterian Church at 11:00 followed by a potluck lunch. Interment for family only will be at the Angus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ancho Presbyterian Church, c/o Bill Maushak, 740 Windmill Rd, Carrizozo, NM 88301.